Netanyahu orders military to expand control to 70% of Gaza territory

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he has instructed the Israel Defense Forces to expand their control within the Gaza Strip to cover 70% of the territory. Speaking at a conference in the West Bank, Netanyahu confirmed that Israeli forces currently control approximately 60% of the enclave, noting a gradual increase from an initial 50%. This directive surpasses the terms of the October ceasefire agreement, which required Israeli troops to withdraw to a designated 'yellow line' while maintaining control over 53% of the land. Reports indicate that Israel has unilaterally moved its defensive boundaries deeper into Palestinian-controlled areas. When asked by an attendee about potential full occupation, Netanyahu responded that the 70% target is the immediate priority. The announcement follows mutual accusations between Israel and Hamas regarding violations of the ceasefire. These developments raise significant concerns regarding the stability of the fragile truce and the worsening humanitarian situation in the region.