On August 29, Israeli Defense Forces declared the Gaza Strip a dangerous combat zone, ending a daily ceasefire that had enabled humanitarian aid. Israeli troops are now preparing to seize full control of the territory, while the UN warned that one‑quarter of Gaza’s population faces famine amid the war that began on October 7, 2023.
Israel Recognizes Gaza as a Dangerous Combat Zone
The Israeli Defense Forces announced on Friday, August 29 that the Gaza Strip had been declared a “dangerous zone for military operations.” Consequently, the daily tactical ceasefire that had permitted humanitarian aid deliveries to ceasefire was revoked, according to the Israeli army’s communiqué. The decision comes as Israel prepares to take full control of Gaza.
Israel Prepares to Capture Gaza
Army spokesperson Brigadier General Avichay Adraee stated that the evacuation of Gaza is inevitable and that Israeli forces are ready to “capture” the territory. He added that any family that relocates by noon will receive the “most generous humanitarian assistance.” The ceasefire ban on aid convoys – previously observed between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. – will no longer be observed as the conflict escalates.
One Quarter of Gaza’s Population Faces Famine
The United Nations has confirmed that Gaza is experiencing famine. It warns that roughly 500,000 people – about one quarter of the population – are at risk. The war between Israel and Hamas, which began with a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, has claimed 1,219 civilian lives in the first month and at least 62,744 Palestinian deaths to date, with over 247 journalists killed in Gaza.
Source: Gazeta, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/wiadomosci/7, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/izrael, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/wojna, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/hamas
