Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu states Israel controls 60 percent of Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially confirmed that Israeli forces currently control 60 percent of the Gaza Strip. The announcement was made during Jerusalem Day events, marking the first official confirmation of the territory's expansion since the conflict began. Netanyahu stated that military positions have been maintained despite international pressure over the past two years. He also noted that all hostages have been recovered and claimed no territory has been ceded. The ongoing conflict began on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas attack on southern Israel. A ceasefire agreement implemented on October 10 saw the exchange of remaining hostages for Palestinian prisoners. Despite the truce, both Israel and Hamas continue to accuse each other of violations, and violence persists. Negotiations regarding the second phase of the agreement, which includes the disarmament of Hamas and a potential withdrawal to the 'yellow line', have stalled.