Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed the Israeli military to expand its control over the Gaza Strip to around 70 percent of the territory, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict and further straining an already fragile ceasefire agreement.
According to multiple reports from international media and official statements made on Thursday, Netanyahu said Israel currently holds about 60 percent of Gaza and has instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to “move step by step” toward taking control of 70 percent. The order comes amid continued military operations in the enclave, where fighting has persisted despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire that came into effect in October 2025.
Netanyahu reportedly made the remarks during a security-related address, stating that Israel had gradually expanded its presence in Gaza from around 50 percent to 60 percent, and that the next phase would push control further. His comments signal a continued shift in Israel’s military strategy, which now appears focused on maintaining expanded “buffer zones” inside Gaza.
The reported expansion would significantly reduce the area not under Israeli control, further concentrating Gaza’s already large displaced population into a smaller region. Humanitarian agencies have repeatedly warned that the situation inside the enclave is deteriorating, with overcrowding, infrastructure collapse, and ongoing shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.
The move has also drawn renewed international concern, as critics argue that continued territorial expansion risks undermining ceasefire arrangements and worsening civilian suffering. Palestinian authorities and rights groups have accused Israel of effectively tightening its control over the territory in violation of earlier agreements.
Israeli officials, however, maintain that expanded military control is necessary to prevent further attacks and dismantle militant infrastructure following the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led assault that triggered the war.
As of now, there has been no indication that diplomatic talks between Israel and Hamas are making progress, and the security situation across Gaza remains highly unstable, with sporadic airstrikes and ground operations continuing.
The latest directive from Netanyahu underscores the likelihood of further escalation in the coming weeks, even as international calls for restraint and renewed negotiations continue to grow.
