Netanyahu Signals Readiness to Occupy 70% of Gaza Territory
World News

Netanyahu Signals Readiness to Occupy 70% of Gaza Territory

29 May 2026

(Digital Itla) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled a further intensification of military operations in Gaza, instructing the Israeli army to seize control of 70% of the territory. He made this statement during a press conference at an illegal Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank, where he discussed government policy regarding the ongoing military operations in Gaza. According to Netanyahu, the Israeli military had already gained control of nearly 50% of Gaza, which was later extended to 60%, and the army has now been directed to ensure the occupation of 70% of the area. Following this statement, fears of rising tensions in the region have escalated, as a large portion of Gaza's population is already confined to a limited area of the coastal strip, facing severe shortages of food, water, and medical facilities. Reports indicate that during the war ongoing since October 2023, large parts of Gaza have suffered massive destruction, while the Israeli military currently maintains effective control over approximately 64% of the area. Notably, under the US-mediated ceasefire framework, the Israeli army was supposed to withdraw to a specific limit known as the "Yellow Line," but recent statements indicate Israel intends to continue its military advancement. International observers warn that the current situation in Gaza could not only worsen the humanitarian crisis but also lead to an increase in regional diplomatic tensions.