On May 28, during an event in a West Bank settlement, Netanyahu stated, "We were at 50%, and we moved to 60%. My instruction is to gradually increase our presence in Gaza." He added, "First, let’s aim for 70%. We are pressuring Hamas from all directions."
The key issue is the extent of control. According to the October 2025 ceasefire agreement, Israeli forces were to withdraw to a line known as the 'yellow line,' which would leave approximately 53% of the Gaza Strip under Israeli jurisdiction. However, Reuters estimates that Israeli effective control and restricted areas currently cover about 64%. Netanyahu's directive aims to increase this to 70%.
Reports indicate that Israel has also adjusted its baseline. Reuters previously reported that Israel moved the concrete blocks marking the yellow line further into Gaza.
Netanyahu has framed this action as a measure to pressure Hamas and secure a buffer zone, claiming it is necessary to prevent threats similar to the Hamas attack on southern Israel in October 2023.
Palestinian representatives and human rights organizations have criticized this move, arguing it could exacerbate forced displacement and humanitarian crises. If Israel controls 70% of Gaza, the living space for over 2 million residents would shrink to less than one-third of the total area.
The ceasefire in Gaza is already under strain. According to Reuters, Israeli airstrikes have continued even after the ceasefire, with Gaza health authorities reporting over 900 deaths due to Israeli attacks. During the same period, Israel reported that four of its soldiers were killed in attacks by armed groups.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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