Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed the Israeli military to expand its control over the Gaza Strip to 70%, according to statements broadcast by Israeli media. This directive signals a significant shift in Israel’s operational objectives within the besieged territory.
“Currently, we fully control 60% of the Gaza Strip, and my instruction is to reach 70%,” Netanyahu stated in a recording captured by Channel 12 and aired on Thursday, May 28, as reported by Al Jazeera on Friday, May 29. This declaration underlines an explicit ambition for increased Israeli presence and authority.
During the same event, when an audience member called for Israel to take over the entire besieged territory, Prime Minister Netanyahu responded by emphasizing a “gradual approach,” according to The Times of Israel. “First 70%,” he remarked, without refuting the possibility of a complete takeover, adding, “We will start from there.” This suggests a phased strategy for territorial expansion.
The extent of Israeli control has been a contentious issue. In mid-March, the Israeli army discreetly sent maps to aid organizations, revealing that they had already extended their control by approximately 11% beyond the so-called ‘Yellow Line,’ which delineates the enclave occupied by Israeli forces. This particular line was agreed upon during a ceasefire mediated by the United States in October 2025. Consequently, this expansion meant Israel controlled 64% of Palestinian territory, an increase from the previous 53%.
The ramifications of this military occupation are severe for Palestinians, who are effectively denied access to about two-thirds of the Gaza Strip. “Where are we going to go? To the sea? There is no space,” lamented Mohammed al-Shagra, a 72-year-old resident of Khan Younis, quoted by Reuters on Saturday morning, May 30. His words capture the desperation faced by a population with dwindling options.
Further territorial seizure would inevitably force two million Palestinians, already enduring dire conditions and having experienced two years of what has been described as genocidal war, into even smaller enclaves. This would exacerbate an already critical humanitarian situation, intensifying overcrowding and suffering.
On Friday, May 29, Hamas condemned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statements as a dangerous escalation. They characterized his comments as a plan for ethnic cleansing and the forced displacement of Palestinians, signaling grave concerns about the future implications of such policies.
“Any attempt to impose new realities of occupation in Gaza is null and void,” declared Ismail al-Thawabta, head of the Hamas-run Gaza Government Media Office, reinforcing their rejection of any unilateral territorial changes.
The context for these developments includes a US-brokered effort for peace. US President Donald Trump had formed a Board of Peace to oversee a gradual ceasefire. Despite a ceasefire being reached last year, Israeli bombardments in Gaza have persisted with nearly daily attacks. Al Jazeera’s monitoring from October 2025 to April recorded at least 2,400 Israeli violations, highlighting the fragile nature of the truce.
Just prior to these statements, on Thursday, May 28, health authorities reported that Israeli airstrikes tragically killed at least 10 people, including four children, and injured 20 others, underscoring the ongoing violence.
Both Israel and Hamas have repeatedly accused each other of violating the ceasefire. Since its inception, Israeli attacks in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of over 900 Palestinians, while Palestinian militant attacks have claimed the lives of four Israeli soldiers, illustrating the devastating human cost of the protracted conflict.
Summary
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed the Israeli military to expand its control over the Gaza Strip to 70%, marking a significant shift in operational strategy. This move aims to increase territorial authority through a phased approach, building upon previous expansions that have already restricted Palestinian access to large portions of the enclave.
The proposed expansion has drawn sharp condemnation from Hamas, which labels the plan a dangerous escalation toward forced displacement and ethnic cleansing. As the humanitarian crisis intensifies for the two million residents trapped in shrinking areas, the ongoing violence and persistent ceasefire violations continue to cause significant casualties on both sides.