Netanyahu wants Israel to control 70% of Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he has ordered the army to expand its control in Gaza to 70% of the territory.

He said Israeli forces currently control about 60% of the strip.

The statement comes despite a ceasefire agreed in October 2025 and as indirect talks with Hamas remain stalled.

Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry says at least 738 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire began. The UN regards the figures as reliable.

Israel says it is continuing to target Hamas commanders and insists the group will no longer govern Gaza, either militarily or politically.