Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahuhas said he instructed the Israeli military to extend its control over70 per cent of the Gaza Strip, marking a significant escalation in Israel's campaign againstHamas. Speaking during a conference in the occupied West Bank, Netanyahu stated that Israeli forces had already increased their hold from around 50 per cent to 60 per cent of the territory and would continue advancing 'step by step'.
The announcement has intensified fears over the future ofGazaand the fragile ceasefire brokered by the United States in October 2025. Palestinian officials and international observers warn that expanding Israeli control could force nearly two million Palestinians into increasingly overcrowded areas while raising concerns that Gaza may become permanently divided.
During his remarks, Netanyahu declared that Israel was 'tightening' its control over Hamas and signalled that further territorial gains were imminent. Members of the audience reportedly urged him to seize the entirety of Gaza, reflecting growing pressure from hardline supporters within Israel.
Maps issued by the Israel Defense Forces in late April reportedly showed the military already controlling approximately 64 per cent of the enclave. The latest directive would push Israeli authority over even larger sections of the devastated coastal territory.
Under the terms of theOctober 2025 ceasefire agreementbetween Israel and Hamas, Israeli troops had withdrawn to a demarcation boundary known as the 'yellow line', leaving them in control of roughly 53 per cent of Gaza. Hamas has accused Israel of steadily moving beyond those agreed positions.
The Palestinian militant group claimed earlier this week that the continued expansion represented 'an explicit and ongoing undermining' of the ceasefire arrangement. Hamas argued that Israel was attempting to impose 'new facts on the ground by force' in order to strengthen long-term military control over Gaza.
The ceasefire, brokered with support from the United States and promoted by US President Donald Trump, was intended to reduce hostilities and pave the way for gradual stabilisation in Gaza. However, negotiations surrounding the agreement have stalled in recent months, fuelling fears that the temporary separation line could evolve into a permanent border.
Nickolay Mladenov, the Bulgarian diplomat overseeing implementation of the agreement, warned earlier this month that without meaningful progress the 'yellow line' risked becoming 'a fence or wall' that would permanently divide Gaza.
Mladenov also acknowledged the continuing humanitarian crisis inside the territory, saying civilians were still dying and many families remained fearful of renewed Israeli air strikes. Large parts of Gaza remain in ruins following months of fighting, with infrastructure severely damaged and humanitarian aid deliveries heavily strained.
Despite the ceasefire technically remaining in effect, Israeli military strikes have continued across Gaza. Israel accuses Hamas of violating the agreement by rebuilding its military capabilities and rearming its fighters.
Source: International Business Times UK
