JERUSALEM: Israel will soon halt or slow humanitarian aid into parts of northern Gaza as it expands its military offensive against Hamas, an official said Saturday, a day after Gaza City was declared a combat zone. The decision was likely to bring more condemnation of Israel’s government as frustration grows in the country and abroad over dire conditions for both Palestinians and remaining hostages in Gaza after nearly 23 months of war.

The move comes a week after the world’s leading food authority declared Gaza City was in the grips of famine.

Israeli military says city in northern Gaza is now a ‘combat zone’ and daily pauses in fighting there will be suspended.