Israel on Friday declared Gaza’s largest city a dangerous combat zone and said it was in the “initial stages” of a planned offensive that has drawn international condemnation.

Israel’s military said it suspended mid-day pauses to fighting, which had allowed food and aid supplies to enter from 10 am to 8 pm, while also reporting it had recovered the bodies of two hostages and vowed its military offensive would return more.

Displaced Palestinians flee Gaza City towards the southern areas of the Gaza Strip, on Thursday. Pics/AFP