IDF Ends Humanitarian Pauses in Gaza City Amid Intensified Military Operations

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have announced the cessation of daily humanitarian pauses in Gaza City, declaring the area a "dangerous combat zone" ahead of a planned major offensive. This decision marks an escalation in military operations targeting Hamas strongholds within the city.

Previously, the IDF had implemented daily 10-hour pauses in military activity across various parts of the Gaza Strip to facilitate the distribution of humanitarian aid. These pauses will continue in other regions but will no longer apply to Gaza City. The military emphasized its commitment to supporting aid distribution elsewhere while conducting operations against terror groups to protect Israeli civilians.

The offensive aims to capture Gaza City, where approximately one million Palestinians—about half of the enclave's population—are currently concentrated. The IDF has urged civilians to evacuate the city and move south to avoid the impending conflict.

This move has drawn international criticism, with concerns about the humanitarian impact on civilians. Despite this, Israel is proceeding with its plans, citing the need to dismantle Hamas infrastructure and secure the return of hostages taken during the October 2023 attacks.

In related developments, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with United Nations World Food Programme Executive Director Cindy McCain in Jerusalem. They agreed to "redouble efforts to expedite and sustain the entry of humanitarian goods into Gaza given the dire needs on the ground." This meeting followed the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification's declaration of famine in northern Gaza, a finding Israel disputes.

The conflict, which began in October 2023 after Hamas-led attacks on Israel, has resulted in significant casualties. The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry reports over 62,000 deaths in the Strip, though these figures cannot be independently verified and do not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Israel asserts it has killed over 22,000 combatants in battle and another 1,600 terrorists inside Israel during and immediately following the initial attacks.

Israel maintains that it seeks to minimize civilian casualties and accuses Hamas of using civilians as human shields by operating from residential areas, including homes, hospitals, schools, and mosques.