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Israel Declares Gaza City a Combat Zone, Ends Aid Pauses as New Offensive Begins

UN agencies warn the escalation in a famine-hit enclave will deepen civilian suffering.

Overview

  • The Israel Defense Forces said they have entered the initial stages of a planned large-scale assault on Gaza City, vowing to intensify operations to dismantle Hamas and recover hostages.
  • Military authorities suspended the daily humanitarian pause in Gaza City that had permitted limited aid movements during daytime hours, calling the area a dangerous combat zone.
  • Israeli forces recovered the bodies of two hostages, including Ilan Weiss, while officials say roughly 47 to 49 captives remain in Gaza and about 20 are believed to be alive.
  • UN human rights experts accused Israeli forces of involvement in enforced disappearances at militarized food distribution sites linked to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a claim the group denies.
  • The UN confirmed famine conditions in the Gaza governorate and Secretary‑General António Guterres warned of devastating consequences, as countries voiced condemnation and Turkey said it would close ports and airspace to official Israeli vessels and aircraft.