• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered military control of 70% of Gaza.
• This directive comes amid a fragile ceasefire established in October 2025.
• Israeli forces currently control around 60% of Gaza, increasing concerns over humanitarian conditions.
• Over 900 Palestinians have reportedly been killed since the ceasefire began.
• The international humanitarian situation in Gaza remains critical amid ongoing attacks.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on May 28 that he had ordered the military to increase its control over the Gaza Strip to 70%, despite a fragile ceasefire agreement that came into effect in October 2025. He stated at a conference in an Israeli settlement, "We are currently squeezing Hamas... my directive is to move to 70%," indicating a relentless military push against Hamas, according to Le Monde, India Times, and Reuters.

Netanyahu's comments come as the Israeli military has reportedly already expanded control over the Gaza Strip to approximately 64% from a previously demarcated 53%, due to their actions beyond the agreed "Yellow Line," according to reports. This military expansion exacerbates existing humanitarian crises, with a significant portion of Gaza's two million residents already living in perilous conditions, as noted by health authorities and conflict monitors in Le Monde and Al Jazeera.

In the wake of these military escalations, over 900 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire began, marking a significant toll amid daily violence. Hostility has intensified with the reported killing of Mohammed Odeh, the head of Hamas’ armed wing, by Israeli forces, alongside ongoing attacks on Hamas leaders that have historically not led to lasting political change, as highlighted by analysts from India Times and Reuters.

The humanitarian situation is dire, with the UN reporting critical shortages of clean water and the survival challenges faced by civilians in Gaza significantly deepening as a result of Israeli airstrikes and military actions. Over 72,775 Palestinians have died since the conflict escalated after the October 2023 attacks, corroborated by resources such as Al Jazeera and Reuters.