GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel’s defense minister warned Friday that Gaza’s largest city would be destroyed unless Hamas yields to Israel’s terms, as the world’s leading authority on food crises said the city was gripped by famine from fighting and blockade.

The world's leading body on hunger declared famine in the Gaza Governorate on Friday as the Israeli military vowed to destroy the area if Hamas doesn't agree to its terms.

The drums of war are pounding on the doorstep of Gaza City. Residents of the largest city in northern Gaza, packed with locals and refugees, fear the hours are ticking down before a looming Israeli offensive.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which organized the "Israel on Hold” protests, said that over a million people took part in the demonstrations across the country on Sunday. Per the organization, almost 500,000 protesters gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square.

Israeli forces eliminate Gaza terrorist involved in October 7 Kibbutz Nir Oz invasion and Yarden Bibas kidnapping during August 10 airstrike, IDF and Shin Bet announce

Thousands marched in Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities, as well as in Jerusalem, on Sunday, blocking roads and shutting businesses in protests demanding a deal to free hostages held in Gaza.View on eu

The Israeli military will provide Gaza residents with tents and other equipment starting from Sunday ahead of relocating them from combat zones to "safe" ones in the south of the enclave, military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said on Saturday.