Netanyahu Orders Israeli Forces to Seize 70 Percent of Gaza Amid Ceasefire Crisis

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to expand its control across Gaza. Speaking at a West Bank settlement on Thursday, he said Israeli troops would gradually move toward controlling 70 percent of the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu described the operation as part of a broader strategy to increase pressure on Hamas and strengthen Israel’s security position. He also claimed that Israeli forces had already expanded their hold from around 50 percent to nearly 60 percent of the territory in recent months.

The announcement has raised fresh concerns about the future of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. The U.S. brokered deal, reached in October 2025, created a temporary “Yellow Line” that limited direct Israeli control to roughly 53 percent of Gaza. However, Israeli troops have steadily advanced beyond those boundaries during recent months. Analysts warn that the latest military expansion could weaken ceasefire negotiations further and increase instability across the region.

Israeli Military Expands Gaza Control Beyond US-Backed Ceasefire Deal

The U.S.-supported Gaza ceasefire agreement came into effect after months of diplomatic negotiations aimed at reducing violence. Under the terms of the deal, Israeli forces were expected to remain within a defined security boundary. However, military activity on the ground gradually moved beyond those agreed limits. Israeli forces now control nearly 64 percent of the Gaza Strip, while Netanyahu has instructed the army to continue expanding step by step toward 70 percent control.

Israeli officials say the enlarged military zones serve as security buffer areas designed to prevent future attacks from Hamas. However, critics argue that the latest expansion directly challenges the original ceasefire framework. The military has also declared several border districts as “no man’s land” zones. Meanwhile, local residents and humanitarian agencies report continued airstrikes and military raids despite the truce. As tensions rise, fears of another large-scale conflict inside Gaza continue to grow rapidly.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as Gaza Displacement Fears Intensify

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the government supports what he described as “voluntary migration” from Gaza. However, human rights organizations argue that worsening humanitarian conditions could force civilians to leave their homes against their will. Analysts warn that the plan to control 70 percent of Gaza may sharply increase displacement across the territory. More than 2.2 million Palestinians already face overcrowded conditions and severe shortages of food, shelter, clean water, and medical supplies.

A recent United Nations briefing highlighted increased military activity near Jabalia and Khan Younis, including daily tank movements close to the ceasefire Yellow Line. Several residents said armed groups ordered families to evacuate frontline neighborhoods within hours, forcing many people to flee overnight. Meanwhile, talks between Israel and Hamas remain stalled over a U.S.-supported proposal linked to troop withdrawals and disarmament. Israeli strikes have killed more than 900 Palestinians since the ceasefire began, further deepening fears of another devastating war in Gaza.As diplomatic efforts weaken and military operations expand, the Gaza ceasefire now faces one of its most dangerous moments since the conflict began.

Web Resources on Netanyahu Orders Israeli Army to Seize 70% of Gaza

1. Guardian.com : Netanyahu orders Israeli army to seize ‘70% of Gaza Strip’, violating ceasefire deal.
2. CNN.com : Netanyahu says he directed Israeli military to take over 70% of Gaza.
3. Reuters.com : Netanyahu directs Israeli forces to expand Gaza control to 70 percent.