Israel Suspends Humanitarian Pauses in Gaza City Amid Offensive

Israel’s military announced on Friday that it is halting mid-day humanitarian pauses in Gaza City, designating the area a “dangerous combat zone.” This decision comes as Israel prepares to expand its military operations, mobilizing tens of thousands of troops for a more extensive offensive. Previously, Israel had implemented “tactical pauses” from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. to facilitate the delivery of essential food and aid supplies to Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and Muwasi, where hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals have sought refuge.

The military did not confirm whether it had informed local residents or humanitarian organizations about the resumption of hostilities during the day. Israel has long regarded Gaza City as a stronghold for Hamas, citing its network of tunnels utilized by militants. The city also contains critical infrastructure and health facilities vital for the local population. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the ongoing conflict has resulted in nearly 63,000 deaths since its escalation.

Famine Declared in Gaza

The suspension of humanitarian pauses coincides with alarming announcements from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), which recently declared that Gaza City is experiencing famine conditions. This declaration follows months of escalating violence and the continued blockade of aid, exacerbated by widespread displacement and the collapse of local food production. The IPC’s findings indicated that hunger, starvation, and child malnutrition have exceeded the thresholds typically considered necessary to declare a famine.

The humanitarian situation deteriorated significantly last week, as the Norwegian Refugee Council reported that Israel’s preparations for a large-scale ground offensive have already made aid deliveries increasingly difficult. Spokesperson Shaina Low emphasized, “We have faced unprecedented access and movement restrictions. Intensified military operations are going to further hinder our ability to respond.”

Local Efforts Amid Crisis

As the humanitarian crisis deepens, local initiatives are emerging in response to the dire circumstances. A group known as Thamra is actively working to cultivate fruits and vegetables in an effort to preserve agricultural land and combat starvation. Their efforts underscore the resilience of the local population amid increasingly challenging conditions.

Reports indicate that people in Gaza City are struggling to access basic necessities. A poignant example is the plight of Yassin Al-Masry, a 13-year-old boy who has resorted to searching through trash for plastic to use as fuel for cooking. His situation reflects the broader struggles faced by many families in the region as they attempt to survive amidst the ongoing conflict.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza City is escalating, with urgent calls for international intervention and support. The United Nations has previously warned that an invasion could result in the loss of half of the hospital bed capacity in the besieged territory. As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely, with hopes for a resolution that prioritizes humanitarian needs and the protection of civilian lives.