Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that the Israeli military has been instructed to expand its control over the Gaza Strip to 70%. Currently, he stated, Israel holds approximately 60% of the territory, an increase from earlier assessments that indicated control of around 64% as of late April.
This statement was made during an interview at a conference in the West Bank on May 28, where Netanyahu emphasized the need to intensify pressure on Hamas.
“We are currently at 60% of the Gaza Strip. We were at 50%. We have moved to 60%. My order is to proceed further, step by step, starting with 70%. Let’s begin with that,” he said.
At the end of April, the Israel Defense Forces provided maps to international humanitarian organizations, indicating military control over approximately 64% of Gaza. The potential capture of a larger portion of the territory could force around 2 million Palestinians into an increasingly confined area of the already devastated coastal region.
According to a ceasefire agreement established in October 2025, Israeli forces had retreated to a demarcation line known as the “yellow line,” where they maintained control over about 53% of Gaza. This figure has since risen to between 60% and 64%. Hamas has accused Israel of shifting this line, labeling it a breach of the agreement and an attempt to solidify military dominance over the area.
Israel has conducted multiple airstrikes on Gaza since the ceasefire was enacted, citing Hamas’s violations due to rearmament. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reports that over 850 individuals have died as a result of these strikes since the ceasefire began. Earlier in May, Israel targeted and killed Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigade leader, while another strike 11 days later resulted in the death of his successor.
“We have vowed to eliminate all those who orchestrated the massacre on October 7, and this will be done: all of them are sentenced to death anywhere,” Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated on social media.
Nikolay Mladenov, a Bulgarian diplomat overseeing the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, warned this month that without progress, the yellow line could become a permanent barrier, effectively isolating Gaza. He acknowledged ongoing civilian casualties and the pervasive fear among families due to Israeli airstrikes. Mladenov noted that Hamas’s refusal to disarm remains a critical issue, contributing to Israel’s incremental territorial gains.
Background on the Gaza Situation
On October 13, 2025, leaders from the United States, Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt signed a ceasefire agreement in Sharm El Sheikh concerning the Gaza Strip. This agreement included a significant exchange, with Hamas returning all 20 living Israeli hostages and the remains of deceased individuals, while Israel released nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
However, the ceasefire was disrupted on October 19 due to mutual accusations. On October 28, Netanyahu ordered “powerful strikes” on Gaza.
Amid the resurgence of hostilities, on November 17, Netanyahu reiterated the necessity of demilitarizing Gaza and reaffirmed Israel’s refusal to recognize the state of Palestine.
On December 20, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced plans for a new governance structure in Gaza, which would include an international council and a group of Palestinian technocrats. Subsequently, international military forces are expected to be deployed in the region.
On January 14, 2026, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff announced the initiation of the second phase of the American plan to resolve the conflict in Gaza.
On March 9, Reuters reported that negotiations regarding the advancement of the Trump plan were suspended due to the commencement of a military operation by the U.S. and Israel against Iran on February 28.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has confirmed an increase in military control over Gaza, aiming for 70% territory control. This escalation follows ongoing tensions and military actions against Hamas, raising concerns about civilian safety and regional stability.