Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said he had instructed the Israeli military to expand its control over the Gaza Strip to 70 per cent, escalating tensions despite a fragile ceasefire that came into effect in October.
Speaking at a conference in an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank, Netanyahu said Israeli forces already control around 60 per cent of Gaza and indicated that military operations would continue.
“We are currently squeezing Hamas. We now control 60 per cent of the territory in the strip,” Netanyahu said, according to footage aired by Israel’s Channel 12 network.
“My directive is to move to… 70 percent,” he added. “We’re squeezing them from all sides. We’ll deal with what’s left afterwards.”
The remarks mark one of Netanyahu’s strongest indications yet that Israel intends to deepen its military presence in Gaza, even as negotiations over the next phase of the ceasefire remain stalled.
Ceasefire Under Increasing Strain
The ceasefire agreement, which began on October 10, was meant to unfold in phases. The first phase saw the release of hostages taken during Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel in exchange for Palestinian detainees held by Israel.
Under the second phase of the agreement, Israeli forces were expected to gradually withdraw behind a designated “yellow line,” while discussions on Hamas’s disarmament and long-term governance of Gaza were to continue.
However, negotiations have remained deadlocked for months.
Netanyahu had earlier announced on May 15 that Israeli forces were expanding their hold over Gaza rather than scaling back operations.
“There were those who said: get out, get out. We did not get out. Today we control… how much? 60 per cent. Tomorrow we shall see,” he had said at the time.
Gaza Violence Continues Despite Truce
Although the ceasefire technically remains in effect, violence has continued across Gaza, with both Israel and Hamas accusing each other of repeated violations.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, which operates under Hamas authority, more than 900 people have been killed since the truce began. The United Nations has previously stated that the ministry’s casualty figures are generally considered reliable.
Israel has continued targeting Hamas leadership during the ceasefire period.
On Wednesday, Israel announced it had killed Mohammed Odeh, described as the latest head of Hamas’s armed wing, the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades. Israeli authorities said Odeh succeeded a previous commander killed earlier this month.
Israeli officials claim Odeh is the fourth commander of Hamas’s military wing killed since the war began following the October 2023 attacks.
Israel Repeats Goal Of Ending Hamas Rule
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz reiterated this week that Israel’s broader objective remains the dismantling of Hamas’s control over Gaza.
“The plan for voluntary migration from Gaza will also be implemented — everything will be done at the right time and in the right way,” Katz said on Wednesday, referring to controversial proposals involving the relocation of Gaza residents.
The comments are likely to intensify international scrutiny over Israel’s military strategy and the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where large-scale destruction and displacement have continued throughout the conflict.
War Began After October 7 Hamas Attack
The current Gaza war began after Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing civilians and taking hostages. Israel responded with a prolonged military campaign aimed at destroying Hamas’s military and governing infrastructure in Gaza.
Since then, Israeli operations have expanded across the territory, while diplomatic efforts involving regional and international mediators have struggled to secure a lasting settlement.