Overview

• UN‑backed IPC declares a famine in the Gaza City district, warning that 132,000 children under five face life‑threatening malnutrition, a first such designation in the Middle East.
• Israel rejects the IPC finding as false and politically tainted, with Netanyahu calling it a “lie” and officials citing large aid deliveries that humanitarian groups say remain insufficient.
• The IDF says the first phase of the Gaza City operation is underway after operational plans were approved, with five divisions involved and about 60,000 reservists mobilized.
• Defense Minister Israel Katz threatens that Gaza City could face destruction if Hamas does not disarm and release hostages, as the military prepares mass relocations to the south.
• Hamas says it accepted a mediated 60‑day truce proposal involving phased hostage releases, but Israel has not formally agreed, and mediators report talks remain stalled.