Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally directed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to expand their operational control within the Gaza Strip to 70 percent of the territory. During a recent conference, Netanyahu noted that military forces have already increased their footprint from 50 percent to 60 percent, and he intends to push further to dismantle remaining Hamas strongholds. This strategic shift comes as the region remains in a state of high tension, with ongoing military strikes occurring despite a ceasefire agreement established in October 2025.

The directive to expand control appears to conflict with the terms of the peace proposal brokered by Donald Trump, which initially required Israeli forces to withdraw to a designated demarcation line. While the 20-point peace plan outlines a path toward the disarmament of Hamas and the eventual withdrawal of troops, indirect negotiations between the parties have reached a stalemate. Israeli officials, including Defense Minister Israel Katz, have reiterated their commitment to eliminating the leadership responsible for the October 7, 2023, attacks and ensuring that Hamas no longer maintains civil or military authority over the region.

Recent military activity has intensified, with several targeted strikes reported across Gaza. The IDF confirmed operations against high-ranking Hamas figures, including battalion commanders and financial network heads, in Gaza City and Khan Younis. These actions have resulted in significant casualties, drawing further scrutiny to the humanitarian situation. Since the conflict began, the death toll in Gaza has risen sharply, with local health authorities reporting over 72,000 fatalities, including a high percentage of children, as the humanitarian crisis continues to displace millions of residents.