Israel declares Gaza City ‘dangerous combat zone’

Israel’s military declared Gaza City a “dangerous combat zone” ahead of a major assault.

"In accordance with the situational assessment and directives of the political echelon, starting today at 10:00, the local tactical pause in military activity will not apply to the area of Gaza City, which constitutes a dangerous combat zone," the Israel Defense Forces said.

Israel also said there will no longer be “tactical pauses” of military activity in Gaza City.

The pauses began a month ago as international outrage grew over the worsening humanitarian crisis and starvation in the battered enclave. The Israel Defense Forces said at the time that the 10-hour pauses were for “humanitarian purposes.”

But when the Israeli security cabinet approved the takeover and occupation of Gaza City earlier this month, they made clear there would be no aid distribution sites within the city itself, forcing people to leave in search of food.