Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed the Israeli military to expand its control over the Gaza Strip to 70 percent of the territory, signaling a major escalation despite an ongoing US-brokered ceasefire framework with Hamas.
Speaking at a conference in the occupied West Bank on Thursday, Netanyahu said Israeli forces currently control around 60 percent of Gaza and that he has instructed the military to increase that figure.
“We are currently squeezing Hamas. We now control 60 percent of the territory in the strip… My directive is to move to 70 percent,” Netanyahu said in remarks carried by Israeli media outlets.
According to reports from Channel 12 and The Times of Israel, someone in the audience shouted that Israel should take “100 percent” of Gaza, prompting Netanyahu to reply: “We’re going in order. First 70 percent, we’ll start with that.”
The announcement appears to conflict with the second phase of the ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States last year between Israel and Hamas.
The first phase of the deal reportedly secured the release of hostages held in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian detainees held by Israel. However, negotiations over the second phase — which includes Hamas disarmament and a gradual Israeli military withdrawal — have stalled for months.
Netanyahu’s latest comments suggest Israel may instead be preparing for a prolonged military presence in the enclave.
The directive comes amid heightened regional instability following recent clashes involving Iran, Hezbollah and US forces in the Middle East.
Analysts say expanding Israeli territorial control in Gaza could further complicate ceasefire negotiations and increase pressure on regional mediators, including the United States, Qatar and Egypt.
Israel has repeatedly said its military campaign aims to dismantle Hamas’ operational capabilities and prevent future attacks.
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