Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on May 28, 2026, that Israel will move to control 70% [1] of the Gaza Strip.
This expansion represents a significant escalation in the region's territorial management. By increasing its military footprint, Israel aims to further squeeze Hamas and consolidate security control over the enclave, even as a cease-fire remains technically in place.
Netanyahu said the move is intended to expand Israeli control and apply more pressure on Hamas [3, 5]. The plan involves increasing the presence of the Israeli army to secure the majority of the territory [5].
Reports indicate that the move to control 70% [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] of the strip occurs while Israel continues its strikes in the area [3]. This development has raised immediate concerns regarding the stability of existing diplomatic arrangements.
Some observers said the expansion violates the current cease-fire deal [5]. Others said that Israel is expanding its control despite the agreement [3]. The move signals a shift toward a more permanent or long-term military administration of the territory.
International reactions to the announcement focus on the potential for renewed hostilities. The strategy of controlling nearly three-quarters of the land is designed to limit the operational capacity of Hamas, and ensure that the group cannot re-establish its previous governance structure [3, 5].
“Israel will move to control 70% of the Gaza Strip”
The announcement suggests that Israel is prioritizing long-term strategic security and the degradation of Hamas over the strict adherence to a cease-fire agreement. By seeking control of 70% of the territory, Israel is moving toward a governance model that minimizes Palestinian autonomy and maximizes military oversight, which may complicate future negotiations for a permanent peace settlement.
