Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed the Israeli army to expand its control over the Gaza Strip to 70 percent, according to remarks aired by Israeli media. This directive signifies a significant escalation in Israel's territorial control within the besieged enclave.

Netanyahu's statement comes amid ongoing conflict and a critical humanitarian situation in Gaza. The prime minister's remarks suggest a phased approach to expanding control, with a stated initial target of 70 percent.

Footage recorded by Channel 12 and aired on Thursday showed Netanyahu stating, "At this point, we are fully in control of 60 percent of the territory of the Gaza Strip … and my directive is to get to … 70 percent." When an audience member suggested taking the entire enclave, Netanyahu responded, "We are going in order. First 70 percent. We’ll start with that."

This announcement follows a reported expansion of Israeli control by 11 percent beyond the “Yellow Line” agreed upon in a United States-brokered ceasefire in October 2025. This prior expansion brought Israel's control to 64 percent of the territory, restricting Palestinian access to approximately two-thirds of Gaza.

The further seizure of territory would displace millions of Palestinians, who are already living in dire conditions after enduring years of conflict. The United Nations Office for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that the humanitarian situation remains critical, with displaced families in overcrowded shelters and scarcity of clean water, leading to increased health risks.

Despite a nominal truce, Israeli attacks in Gaza have continued, with Al Jazeera documenting at least 2,400 violations between October and April. Earlier on Thursday, an Israeli air raid reportedly killed at least 10 people, including four children.

Nickolay Mladenov, the high representative overseeing the US-founded Board of Peace for Gaza, recently warned that the deteriorating situation in the enclave risks becoming permanent. The continued military actions and territorial expansion raise concerns about the future of the region and the well-being of its inhabitants.

Questions remain regarding the full implications of this directive, the timeline for its implementation, and the potential impact on ongoing peace efforts and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.