Israel’s military announced on Friday that it is suspending mid-day humanitarian pauses in Gaza City, designating the region a “dangerous combat zone” as it prepares to intensify its offensive. The decision ends a temporary measure implemented last month to allow food and aid deliveries from 10 am to 8 pm in Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and Muwasi, where hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians are sheltering.

The Israeli military has mobilized tens of thousands of troops to seize control of Gaza City, a move that signals a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. Previously, Israel introduced “tactical pauses” to facilitate the delivery of critical supplies to these areas, which host a large population of displaced individuals. However, no prior notification was provided to residents or aid organizations regarding the resumption of daytime hostilities, raising concerns about the safety of civilians and the continuity of humanitarian operations.

Gaza City, long identified by Israel as a Hamas stronghold, contains an intricate network of tunnels reportedly still in use by militants despite multiple large-scale raids. The city is also home to vital infrastructure, including hospitals and health facilities, which are critical to the region’s survival. The United Nations warned on Thursday that an Israeli invasion could cripple Gaza’s healthcare system, potentially halving the strip’s hospital bed capacity and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

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The suspension of pauses and the planned offensive have sparked fears of increased civilian casualties and further deterioration of living conditions in Gaza City, where access to food, water, and medical care is already severely limited. International aid groups have yet to comment on how they will adapt to the abrupt halt of daytime aid delivery windows.

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