During a recent conference in the Occupied West Bank, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed that he has instructed the military to expand its control over the Gaza Strip to 70%, a significant increase from the current control of approximately 60%. Netanyahu emphasized that these moves are part of a strategic effort to strengthen Israel's position against Hamas.

In his statement, Netanyahu noted, "We are now in 60% of the territory of the Gaza Strip. We were at 50%. We moved to 60%. My directive is to move to — take it step by step — first of all 70. Let's start with that." This declaration comes in the context of ongoing military action, as Israeli forces executed airstrikes targeting senior Hamas commanders in Gaza just days prior.

The implications of further military control raise concerns for approximately 2 million Palestinians living in the region, who may find their territory further diminished. Under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement instituted in October 2025, Israeli forces were to maintain a demarcation line known as the "yellow line," which resulted in control over about 53% of Gaza. However, recent actions have suggested a shift of this line, prompting accusations from Hamas that Israel is undermining the ceasefire.

Hamas has condemned Israel's actions as violations of the ceasefire agreement, stating that such moves aim to entrench military control over the Gaza Strip, jeopardizing real chances for stabilization. Meanwhile, Israeli officials assert that their actions are necessary to combat ongoing threats posed by Hamas, which has refused to disarm or adhere to key components of the ceasefire plan.

The ongoing military operations have intensified fears of enduring conflict and have complicated any prospects for peace in the region. As Netanyahu pursues his directive for greater military control, the potential for increased civilian hardship looms large, amid ongoing airstrikes and geographic encroachment.