Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on May 28, 2026, that he has ordered the Israeli military to seize control of 70% of the Gaza Strip. This directive represents a formal violation of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement established in October 2025, which had previously restricted Israeli forces to a demarcation line encompassing 53% of the territory.
Speaking from a West Bank settlement, Netanyahu framed the expansion as a necessary tactical maneuver for his government, which is currently navigating a period of political instability ahead of upcoming elections. "We are squeezing Hamas," the Prime Minister stated, justifying the push into the remaining Palestinian-controlled areas of the strip.
According to reports from Al Jazeera, the Israeli military currently maintains control over approximately 60% of the territory. The new order mandates a further 10% expansion, effectively dismantling the territorial boundaries set by the 2025 peace plan and threatening the collapse of the fragile ceasefire framework.
The military's strategy involves a gradual westward advancement, a trend that has been documented since April 2026. The Guardian reports that Israeli-backed forces have been actively clearing residents from homes and shelters along the current demarcation line, forcing civilians to vacate the area.
This boundary, often referred to as the "yellow line," has served as a demilitarized zone since the inception of the truce. Under the October agreement, Israeli forces have maintained an expanded no-man’s land west of their positions, granting them the authority to engage anyone deemed a threat. The Guardian notes that over 900 Palestinians have been killed by airstrikes and direct fire within these zones since the ceasefire was implemented eight months ago.
As the military maneuvers to consolidate control over the additional territory, humanitarian conditions in the region remain dire. The expansion effectively pushes the limits of the existing peace framework, raising significant concerns regarding the future of the ceasefire and the safety of the civilian population in the remaining areas of the Gaza Strip.
