Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly instructed the military to expand Israeli control over larger parts of the Gaza Strip, stating that the objective is to increase territorial control from the current level of around 60 percent to 70 percent.
Speaking at an event in the West Bank, Netanyahu said Israel is continuing efforts to weaken Hamas and tighten its security control in Gaza.
According to the Israeli Prime Minister, the expansion of territorial control is intended to gradually increase Israel’s operational presence in the territory.
The move comes amid disputes over the implementation of the ceasefire arrangement brokered with US involvement in October 2025, under which Israeli military deployment was expected to remain limited to certain agreed areas.
Hamas has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement and attempting to establish military rule through territorial expansion.
Humanitarian concerns have also intensified, with critics warning that further territorial control could increase pressure on Gaza’s civilian population of nearly two million people.
According to Palestinian health authorities, more than 850 people have reportedly been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire came into effect, largely due to continued military operations and airstrikes.
Meanwhile, Israeli Defense officials have maintained that those responsible for the October 7 attacks will continue to face military action, while Hamas has reiterated that it does not intend to disarm.
UN ceasefire envoy Nickolay Mladenov has warned that failure to fully implement existing agreements risks turning temporary separation arrangements into permanent divisions within Gaza.
The latest developments highlight continuing uncertainty surrounding the ceasefire and growing concerns over the future political and security situation in the Gaza Strip.
