Netanyahu Says He Directed The Military to Take Over 70% of Gaza/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Benjamin Netanyahu said he instructed Israel’s military to take control of 70% of Gaza territory. The announcement comes amid growing tensions over alleged ceasefire violations and worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza. Hamas accused Israel of undermining the 2025 ceasefire agreement by expanding military control.
Netanyahu Gaza Expansion Quick Looks
- Netanyahu orders expansion to 70% territorial control.
- Israeli military currently controls roughly 60%-64% of Gaza.
- Hamas accuses Israel of violating ceasefire agreement.
- Expansion could further displace Palestinian civilians.
- Audience at conference urged full Gaza takeover.
- Israel says operation targets Hamas control.
- Humanitarian concerns continue growing internationally.
- October 2025 ceasefire established prior demarcation line.
- Gaza population faces shrinking safe zones.
- Military expansion raises diplomatic tensions.
Deep Look
Netanyahu Orders Expansion of Israeli Control in Gaza
Speaking during a conference in the occupied West Bank, Netanyahu described the move as part of a gradual strategy aimed at increasing pressure on Hamas.
“We are now in 60% of the territory of the Gaza Strip. We were at 50%, we moved to 60%,” Netanyahu said.
“My directive is to move to – take it step by step – first of all 70. Let’s start with that.”
“We will deal with the remnants,” Netanyahu said. “But the most important thing is to continue leveraging our power, to increase it.”
The conference was part of a broader discussion on the war, Iran, Hezbollah, Gaza and regional strategy.
“There is still more work. What is happening right now is truly a global change. There is no doubt about that,” Netanyahu added.
As he spoke, audience members reportedly called for Israel to take control of all Gaza territory.
Israeli Military Presence Already Expanding
Maps distributed by the Israel Defense Forces to international aid organizations in late April reportedly showed Israeli forces already controlling approximately 64% of Gaza.
The expansion follows months of conflict and military operations that have significantly reshaped the territory since the October 2025 ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Under that agreement:
- Israeli forces withdrew to a boundary known as the “yellow line”
- Israel controlled roughly 53% of Gaza territory
- Ceasefire terms aimed to stabilize fighting and humanitarian access
The latest expansion marks a substantial increase beyond those earlier lines.
Hamas Accuses Israel of Violating Ceasefire
Hamas strongly criticized Israel’s territorial advances earlier this week.
The group accused Israel of altering ceasefire boundaries and attempting to establish permanent military control over Gaza.
“constitute 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.”
The organization argued that Israel’s actions are damaging efforts to stabilize the region and reduce hostilities.
Gaza mourns 10 killed in Eid strikes
Dozens of Palestinians in Gaza City gathered on Thursday for funeral prayers for 10 people killed in Israeli strikes the night before, including five children and an elderly person, as well as a Hamas militant.
More than 20 people were injured in the strikes, according to Shifa Hospital. Video from the scene showed flames pouring from an upper-floor window of a building, while bystanders rushed to carry wounded people, including children, to ambulances.
Mohammed Shawish, who was wounded and lost his wife in the strikes, broke down in tears as he held her body at the hospital morgue, saying, “I married my wife for love. For God’s sake, I chose her because of love.”
The strikes took place on the first day of Eid al-Adha, or the “Feast of Sacrifice,” an Islamic holiday celebrated by millions of Muslims worldwide. The Israeli military said Wednesday evening it had launched strikes in the northern Gaza Strip targeting two Hamas militants.
Among those killed was Hamas fighter Imad Isleim. On Thursday, mourners carried his body wrapped in a white shroud with a Hamas flag draped over it.
His death came as a “shock” to the family, even though they knew it could happen at any time, his cousin Nidal Isleim said.
Humanitarian Pressure Intensifies
The expansion of Israeli-controlled areas could force Gaza’s approximately 2 million Palestinian residents into an increasingly small section of the coastal enclave.
Large portions of Gaza have already been heavily damaged during months of conflict.
Humanitarian agencies continue warning about:
- Overcrowding
- Food shortages
- Limited medical access
- Displacement conditions
- Infrastructure collapse
As military zones expand, civilians face fewer areas considered relatively safe.
Israel Says Operations Target Hamas
Israeli officials have consistently argued military operations are necessary to weaken Hamas infrastructure and prevent future attacks.
Netanyahu has repeatedly said Israel intends to:
- Tighten military pressure
- Eliminate Hamas operational capabilities
- Secure long-term Israeli security interests
The latest comments suggest the government is preparing for a prolonged military presence in significant portions of Gaza.
Ceasefire Under Growing Strain
The Gaza situation remains one of several regional flashpoints complicating wider Middle East diplomacy.
The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has faced repeated accusations of violations from both sides.
Meanwhile:
- Regional tensions involving Iran continue
- Negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz remain ongoing
- International pressure for humanitarian relief is increasing
Netanyahu’s comments are likely to intensify scrutiny from foreign governments and aid organizations concerned about civilian displacement and long-term territorial control.
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