Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced directives for the Israeli military to expand its control to 70% of the Gaza Strip. Speaking at a conference in the West Bank, Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s efforts to tighten its grip on Hamas, stating, “We are now in 60% of the territory of the Gaza Strip. We were at 50%, we moved to 60%. My directive is to move to – take it step by step – first of all 70. Let’s start with that.”

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have already issued maps to international aid groups, indicating control over approximately 64% of Gaza. This expansion is expected to further compress the living space for around 2 million Palestinians within the coastal enclave.

Ceasefire Agreement Under Strain

The move comes in the wake of an October 2025 ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which had established a demarcation line known as the “yellow line,” covering about 53% of Gaza. However, Hamas has accused Israel of violating this agreement by moving the line, describing it as “an explicit and ongoing undermining of the ceasefire agreement, a serious violation of its provisions, and an exposed attempt to impose new facts on the ground by force.”

This development raises concerns about the potential for increased tensions and the impact on efforts to stabilize the region. As the situation unfolds, international observers and aid organizations are closely monitoring the humanitarian implications for the Palestinian population.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.