Netanyahu directs 'Israeli' forces to expand control of Gaza to 70%
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- Netanyahu says he has ordered 'Israeli' forces to expand control of Gaza to 70 percent as the war continues.
'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday he has directed the country’s military to expand its control over the Gaza Strip to around 70 percent, escalating operations in the devastated Palestinian territory.
Speaking at a news conference in a settlement in the occupied West Bank, Netanyahu said 'Israeli' forces would continue to advance “step by step,” beginning with a target of 70 percent territorial control.
“We were at 50, we moved to 60. My directive is to move to, let’s go step by step,” Netanyahu said. “First of all, 70. Let’s start with that. We’re pressing them from all sides. We’ll deal with the remnants.”
'Israel' already holds significant control over Gaza, where the population of more than two million people has been largely confined to shrinking areas along the Mediterranean coast amid ongoing military operations.
Under a US-brokered truce announced in October, 'Israeli' forces were expected to withdraw to what has been described as a “Yellow Line,” marking their operational boundary. However, fighting has continued alongside repeated military strikes and shifting frontlines.
Palestinian authorities and international organizations have warned of catastrophic humanitarian conditions in the enclave.
Netanyahu’s remarks come as international pressure continues over the conduct of the war and as negotiations over ceasefire arrangements remain uncertain.
