Netanyahu Orders 70% Gaza Control, Exceeding Ceasefire Terms

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has issued a directive to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to take control of 70% of the Gaza Strip's territory. This order significantly exceeds the parameters of the ceasefire agreement that went into effect in October 2025. According to reports, Israeli forces currently hold control over approximately 60% of Gaza, a figure that has already surpassed the initial 53% stipulated in the ceasefire. Netanyahu's statement, made at a conference, indicated a strategic intent to further "squeeze Hamas". The directive to expand control to 70% of Gaza represents a considerable escalation of Israel's military presence and territorial grip on the Palestinian enclave. The initial ceasefire, brokered in October 2025, had allowed Israel to maintain control over roughly 53% of the territory, with Hamas holding the remainder. Subsequent actions and reports indicate a steady encroachment by Israeli forces, pushing the controlled area to an estimated 60% prior to Netanyahu's latest order. This strategic shift by Netanyahu has sparked significant concern and criticism, both domestically and internationally. The expansion of Israeli military control is seen as a violation of the existing ceasefire terms and raises alarms about further humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, which has already endured immense suffering and displacement. Critics argue that such a move could lead to increased civilian casualties, further displacement, and a worsening humanitarian crisis, exacerbating the already dire conditions for the Palestinian population. The historical context of Israeli control over Gaza is complex. While Israel disengaged from Gaza in 2005, it has continued to maintain significant control over its borders, airspace, and maritime space, leading many international bodies and legal experts to still consider Gaza under occupation. The current conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, following Hamas's attack on Israel, has led to a full-scale Israeli invasion and a devastating war in Gaza. This has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis, with widespread destruction of infrastructure, mass displacement, and a high death toll among Palestinians. Netanyahu's stated objective is to ensure Israel's security and to remove Hamas from power. However, the method of achieving this through territorial expansion is contentious. Some reports suggest that Netanyahu's administration is exploring options for future governance of Gaza, potentially involving friendly Arab nations, while emphasizing that Israel does not wish to govern the territory long-term but maintain a security perimeter. The international community's reaction to Israel's actions in Gaza has been largely critical, with many nations and organizations calling for de-escalation and adherence to international law. The humanitarian situation remains a primary concern, with widespread reports of food insecurity, lack of shelter, and an overwhelmed healthcare system. The continued conflict and territorial expansion by Israel threaten to further destabilize the region and deepen the suffering of the civilian population. The implications of Netanyahu's order extend beyond immediate military control. It challenges the framework of past peace plans and ceasefire agreements, including those associated with US President Donald Trump's peace initiatives. The extent to which these directives will be implemented and the precise nature of future governance in Gaza remain subjects of intense scrutiny and international diplomacy. The current situation highlights a persistent tension between Israel's security objectives and the imperative to protect civilian lives and uphold humanitarian principles amidst an ongoing and devastating conflict. As of the latest reports, the situation in Gaza remains highly volatile. The humanitarian crisis is acute, with a significant portion of the population displaced and facing critical shortages of essential resources. The expansion of Israeli military control, as ordered by Netanyahu, is poised to have profound and potentially catastrophic consequences for the civilian population, further complicating efforts to achieve a lasting peace and stability in the region. The news story's assertion of Netanyahu pushing for 70% control is corroborated by multiple sources, including The Times of Israel, The Guardian, and Courthouse News, all reporting similar statements from Netanyahu around late May 2026. The associated related articles from The Guardian and France 24 also discuss Netanyahu's directives and the escalating situation, corroborating the core claims of the Times of India article.

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