Gaza City has been officially designated as a dangerous combat zone by Israel as the military announces it is in the 'initial stages' of an offensive that has received widespread international condemnation. The Israeli military has halted midday pauses in fighting that allowed humanitarian aid into Gaza, raising concerns over the dire conditions facing the displaced population.
In a recent operation, Israeli forces have recovered the body of one hostage and the remains of another, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating the ongoing mission to return hostages remains a high priority for the nation. Shedding light on the emotional toll of these recoveries, Rubi Chen, a family member of one of the hostages, described the moment as 'bittersweet.'
As military operations intensify in Gaza City, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Spokesperson Avichay Adraee confirmed that the military's efforts will escalate until all hostages are recovered and Hamas is dismantled. Humanitarian groups, including the United Nations, have raised alarms about the catastrophic impacts of further hostilities on a population already facing dire shortages of food and medical assistance.
The humanitarian crisis is further illustrated by the sheltering of around 440 individuals in Gaza's only Catholic church. This group includes women, children, and elderly citizens, who have opted to remain in the building despite the ongoing conflict. The church's representative indicated that while the occupants feel relatively safe, their situation remains precarious and subject to change as the offensive unfolds.
