Gaza City, Aug 29 (AP) - Israel's military has halted the midday pauses in fighting, crucial breaks that have permitted humanitarian aid to reach Gaza City. The military declared on Friday that the city has become "a dangerous combat zone." Previously, Israel had ceased hostilities in several areas, including Gaza City, from 10 am to 8 pm last month to facilitate the entry of food and aid supplies.
The "tactical pauses" were implemented in regions such as Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and Muwasi, where countless displaced individuals are seeking refuge. This suspension coincides with Israel's plans to expand its offensive within the city, following recent airstrikes in significant neighborhoods and the mobilization of tens of thousands of reservists.
The Israeli military did not specify whether residents or humanitarian organizations were informed in advance of the 11:30 am announcement.
Israel has previously regarded Gaza City as a Hamas bastion, with an intricate tunnel network used by militants that remains operational after several major incursions.
The city also hosts a substantial portion of the territory's vital infrastructure and health facilities. The United Nations warned on Thursday that the blockaded region could lose up to half of its hospital bed capacity should Israel proceed with its planned invasion.
This cessation of the pause follows a week after the global authority on food security declared that Gaza City is in the throes of famine, having issued warnings for months.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, or IPC, attributes the crisis to combat actions and Israel's blockade on most aid deliveries, exacerbated by widespread displacement and the breakdown of food production.
The Norwegian Refugee Council, which organizes a coalition of aid organizations operating in Gaza, reported that Israel's impending large-scale ground assault has complicated delivery operations.
"We have encountered unprecedented obstacles in access and movement," spokesperson Shaina Low stated on Friday. "Escalated military activities are poised to further impede our response efforts."
UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, warned that the expected offensive could displace up to 1 million people, many previously displaced.
"Any further escalation would exacerbate suffering and propel more individuals toward catastrophe," the agency noted in a social media post. (AP)
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