Israel Declares Gaza City a Combat Zone Amid Rising Death Toll
Israel has designated Gaza City a combat zone, ending humanitarian pauses, as the death toll surpasses 63,000.
Israel has declared Gaza City a combat zone, suspending previous humanitarian pauses that allowed aid deliveries. The Gaza Health Ministry reports over 63,000 deaths since the conflict began in October 2023. The Israeli military has recovered the remains of two hostages, including Ilan Weiss, taken during the initial attack. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated,
"We will not rest or be silent until we return all of our hostages home — both the living and the dead."
The United Nations warns that intensified military operations could displace around one million people and exacerbate the existing famine in the area. Aid groups and local institutions, such as the Holy Family Church, have chosen to remain in Gaza City to support displaced civilians despite the escalating conflict.