Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Thursday that he has instructed the Israeli military to take control of 70% of Gaza’s territory. This directive comes as part of Israel’s ongoing efforts to tighten its grip on Hamas, the governing authority in Gaza.
Current Military Position
Speaking at a conference in the occupied West Bank, Netanyahu stated that Israeli forces currently control 60% of Gaza, up from 50% previously. He emphasized a step-by-step approach to reaching the 70% target. His comments were met with calls from the audience to take over the entire Gaza Strip.
In late April, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) provided maps to international aid groups showing that they already controlled approximately 64% of Gaza. The expansion of Israeli control would further compress the living space for the nearly 2 million Palestinians residing in the coastal enclave.
Ceasefire Agreement Challenges
The move comes despite an October 2025 ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which was brokered by the United States. Under this agreement, Israeli forces were supposed to withdraw to a demarcation line known as the “yellow line,” leaving them in control of about 53% of Gaza. However, tensions have persisted, with both sides accusing each other of violating the ceasefire.
Hamas has accused Israel of undermining the ceasefire by moving the demarcation line, a claim that Israel denies. The ongoing military actions have raised concerns about the potential for a permanent division of Gaza’s territory.
International Reactions
Nickolay Mladenov, a Bulgarian diplomat overseeing the implementation of the ceasefire, warned that without progress, the yellow line could become a permanent barrier, further complicating efforts to stabilize the region. He highlighted the ongoing violence and the fear experienced by families in Gaza due to Israeli airstrikes.
Israel has justified its military actions by accusing Hamas of rearming and violating the ceasefire. Since the agreement, Israeli strikes have resulted in over 850 Palestinian casualties, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Public Health. Notably, Israel has targeted and killed key figures in Hamas’ military leadership.
Future Prospects
The ceasefire agreement requires Hamas to disarm and for an international security force to be deployed in Gaza. However, progress on these fronts has stalled, with no clear timeline for the security force’s deployment. Meanwhile, Israel continues to expand its control over Gaza, raising questions about the future of the territory and the possibility of lasting peace.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
