Israeli military begins initial stages of attack on Gaza City, declares 'dangerous combat zone'

Israel's military spokesman Avichay Adraee said on Friday that the Israeli military has begun the preliminary operations and initial stages of the attack on Gaza City, and is operating with great intensity on the outskirts of the city.

In a video message posted on social media platform X, Adraee said that the military will intensify its strikes and will not hesitate until it brings back all the hostages and dismantles Hamas.

Also on Friday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that the daily 10-hour humanitarian pause in Gaza City is canceled, adding that the city from now on constitutes a "dangerous combat zone."

The daily break, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. local time (0700-1700 GMT), began on July 27 following an IDF announcement.

The pause, coordinated by the United Nations and international aid organizations, encompassed the three areas of the Gaza Strip -- Gaza City, Al Mawasi, and Deir al-Balah -- and was intended to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance to residents.

Despite international opposition, the Israeli army, having besieged Gaza City for weeks with heavy airstrikes and artillery, announced recently that it was preparing an operation to take control of the city.