Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has made a harsh statement regarding the situation in the Gaza Strip.
He said that "water, electricity and food should be cut off from Gaza", adding that those who do not die from bullets "will starve or surrender".
Smotrich's statement comes at a time when the international community has made repeated calls for allowing humanitarian aid into the Palestinian territory, where the situation has significantly escalated, as highlighted by a report from UN-supported organizations, which has proven that famine in Gaza is present.
On the other hand, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have declared Gaza City "a dangerous combat zone," as they prepare to immediately occupy the territory's largest city.
In a post on X, the IDF wrote that “in accordance with the assessment of the situation and the directives of the political echelon, starting today at 10:00, the local tactical pause in military activity will not be implemented in the Gaza City area, which constitutes a dangerous combat zone.”
The IDF continues to support humanitarian efforts while conducting operations to defend Israel.
Planes and tanks have reportedly hit parts of Gaza City over the past week, and Israeli tanks and armored vehicles have been deployed on its outskirts.
About a million Palestinians, many of whom are too weak or elderly to continue moving, are expected to be displaced by Israel's expanded offensive in the area, where a UN-backed food agency declared earlier this month that a famine was occurring.
Earlier, the Director of the UN World Food Programme, Cindy McCain, said it is "very clear" that there is not enough food in Gaza.
She added that famine was clearly underway in the territory.
