• Israel declares Gaza City a dangerous combat zone amidst escalating military operations.
• Over 63,000 Palestinians reported dead, creating a severe humanitarian crisis.
• The U.N. warns that mass evacuation could exacerbate famine conditions.
• Residents are fleeing southern areas already strained by overcrowding and food shortages.
• Aid organizations are calling for urgent humanitarian access and evacuation plans to be reconsidered.

The Israeli military declared Gaza City a "dangerous combat zone" on Friday, marking the start of intensified operations to capture the Palestinian territory's largest urban center. The military announced that from now on, localized tactical pauses for humanitarian aid would no longer be applicable in Gaza City, where intense bombardment has been ongoing. Israeli forces have reportedly begun their assault aimed at dismantling Hamas's operations in the area following nearly two years of conflict, which has claimed over 63,000 Palestinian lives, most of whom are civilians, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza and supported by various reports about the conflict.Source 1, Source 2, Source 3, Source 4, Source 5.

The military's announcement came amidst mass evacuations of Palestinians fleeing Gaza City towards southern regions already facing critical shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. With nearly 1 million people now trapped in the Gaza enclave, displacement pressures are mounting as Israeli air, land, and sea strikes continue to escalate. Witnesses noted that families evacuating often carried just their most basic possessions, indicating the desperate conditions they are facing.Source 6, Source 8, Source 10.

The humanitarian situation is dire, with the United Nations and various aid organizations warning that the large-scale evacuation orders could lead to even more humanitarian catastrophes. Over the past weeks, several experts, including officials from the International Red Cross, have stated that a mass evacuation from Gaza City is fraught with risks and could not be conducted safely due to the overwhelming destruction of infrastructure and lack of essential resources.Source 12, Source 13, Source 14.

With the Israeli military now intending to slow down or halt humanitarian aid deliveries to northern Gaza in light of its expanding military operations, the international community has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating conditions. Israeli officials have indicated plans to halt airdrops of essential supplies in the near future, which may drastically limit food and medical assistance available to the population in need.Source 9, Source 15.