Benjamin Netanyahu Orders Israeli Military to Expand Gaza Control, Says IDF Aiming for 70% Territory

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that the country’s military has been instructed to expand its operational control across the Gaza Strip, with the next target set at 70% of the territory. The statement comes as the Israel-Hamas conflict continues to intensify, raising concerns over the humanitarian situation in the region.

Speaking during a conference in the occupied West Bank, Netanyahu said Israel is gradually increasing its presence inside Gaza and tightening pressure on Hamas.

“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,” Netanyahu said during the interaction, according to CNN.

The Israeli Prime Minister indicated that the military strategy would continue in phases as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) expands its operations deeper into Gaza.

IDF Control in Gaza Continues to Expand

Reports suggest that the Israeli military already controls a significant portion of Gaza. Earlier maps reportedly shared with humanitarian agencies showed Israeli forces operating across nearly 64% of the enclave.

If the military footprint expands further, experts believe millions of Palestinians could be pushed into smaller and more densely populated areas, worsening the already severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The ongoing conflict has left large parts of Gaza devastated, with international organizations repeatedly expressing concerns over civilian displacement, shortages of aid, and damage to infrastructure.

Hamas Accuses Israel of Violating Ceasefire Understanding

The latest development comes months after reports of a ceasefire understanding reached between Israel and Hamas in October 2025. Under the arrangement, Israeli forces were expected to remain behind a demarcation known as the “yellow line,” which reportedly left Israel controlling around 53% of Gaza.

However, Hamas has accused Israel of changing the boundaries and violating the terms of the agreement.

According to CNN, Hamas claimed that shifting the military line represents an “attempt to impose new facts on the ground” and could damage ongoing efforts toward de-escalation.

The group also alleged that the move undermines stability in the region and increases tensions further.

Israel Intensifies Operations Against Hamas Leadership

At the same time, Israel continues to carry out targeted military operations against Hamas leaders in Gaza.

The Israel Defense Forces recently confirmed that two senior Hamas operatives were eliminated in northern Gaza during precision strikes.

Among them was Muhammad Odeh, identified by Israeli authorities as the new leader of Hamas’ military wing in Gaza. Israel claims Odeh played a major role in the October 7 attacks and had recently replaced Ezzedine al-Haddad, who was reportedly killed in an earlier Israeli strike.

According to the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, the operation was conducted under the direction of Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz.

Growing Global Attention on Gaza Conflict

The latest statements from Netanyahu are expected to draw strong international attention, especially as global pressure mounts over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the future of ceasefire negotiations.

While Israel says its military campaign is focused on dismantling Hamas infrastructure and leadership, critics continue to raise concerns about civilian casualties and displacement inside the densely populated territory.

As military operations continue, the possibility of further escalation in the Middle East remains a major concern for the international community.

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