GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel’s military announced a suspension of midday pauses in hostilities that enabled the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza City, designating the area as "a dangerous combat zone." This decision was communicated on Friday, indicating a shift in military strategy as Israel prepares to intensify its offensive in the region.
Previously, these “tactical pauses” allowed for humanitarian deliveries from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., covering areas such as Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and Muwasi, where hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals have taken refuge. The suspension arises after Israel had reported airstrikes in critical neighborhoods of Gaza City and announced the mobilization of tens of thousands of reservists.
The announcement, made at 11:30 a.m., did not clarify whether residents or aid organizations were informed beforehand about the suspension of the humanitarian pauses. Historically, Israel has characterized Gaza City as a stronghold for Hamas, noting the existence of a network of tunnels employed by militants, which remain operational despite prior military operations.
In addition to its military significance, Gaza City is home to essential infrastructure and health facilities. The United Nations recently warned that the area could lose half of its hospital bed capacity if a ground invasion materializes as planned. This warning comes in the wake of a report by the world’s leading food security authority, which declared that Gaza City is experiencing conditions akin to famine following months of conflict and blockade that have severely hampered the delivery of aid.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reported that the hunger crisis in Gaza has been exacerbated by ongoing military engagements, blockades hindering aid, widespread displacement, and the collapse of food production. The Norwegian Refugee Council reported that the preparation for a large-scale ground offensive by Israel has created considerable challenges in delivering aid, saying, “We have faced unprecedented access and movement restrictions,” according to spokesperson Shaina Low.
Moreover, the looming military operations threaten to displace an additional 1 million people, many of whom were previously displaced during earlier hostilities. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has articulated concerns that any escalation in conflict would further exacerbate suffering and lead more individuals toward catastrophic circumstances.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with escalating violence contributing to a humanitarian crisis of unparalleled proportions. As aid organizations struggle to operate amid heightened military activity, the international community continues to express concern over the deteriorating conditions faced by civilians in the region.
