By Admin 
Middle East Amidst the increasing tension in the Middle East, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced to gain military control over 70 percent of the Gaza Strip. During an event organized in the West Bank, Netanyahu said that the Israeli army is gradually expanding its presence in Gaza and will continue military operations against Hamas. He told that earlier Israel was on 50 percent of Gaza, which has now increased to 60 percent and their next target is to acquire 70 percent of it.
Israel preparing to capture 70 percent of Gaza
Netanyahu said, ‘Israeli forces are continuously increasing their grip on the Palestinian enclaves and will continue to expand operations against Hamas. My instructions are that we should move forward slowly and first acquire 70 percent of this area. While he was saying this, some people present there raised slogans demanding Israel to capture the entire Gaza. Talks are also going on between Israel and Hamas regarding the next phase of the ceasefire agreement, which includes Hamas giving up weapons and withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
Despite the ceasefire, Israel still controls more than half of Gaza, while Hamas controls a small part of the coastal area. Gaza health officials say that about 900 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since the ceasefire came into force.
Israel controls 64 percent of Gaza
The Israeli Army had shared a map with international aid agencies in April 2026, in which it was clearly visible that the IDF had controlled about 64 percent of Gaza. If Israel now increases its control here, then about 2 million Palestinians may be forced to live in an even smaller area of the coastal region.
On the other hand, Hamas has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement and forcibly entering inside Gaza. According to Hamas, this step by Israel may destroy the hope of peace in the region. Israel says that this military pressure is necessary to weaken Hamas and prevent future attacks.
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