Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel currently controls around 60% [1] of the Gaza Strip and intends to expand that figure to 70% [2].
This shift in military objectives signals a potential long-term strategy for territorial control in the enclave, contradicting international diplomatic efforts to maintain Palestinian sovereignty.
Netanyahu said Israeli forces are "squeezing" Hamas from every direction and intend to further strengthen their position in the enclave. The prime minister said the current military operations are designed to increase the footprint of the Israeli Defense Forces across the territory.
The United Nations responded to the announcement by reaffirming its long-standing position on the region. Stephane Dujarric, a spokesperson for the UN, said "100 percent of Gaza should be for the Palestinian people."
According to the UN, the entirety of the Gaza Strip is Palestinian territory. This stance persists despite the ongoing military operations and the specific territorial goals outlined by the Israeli government.
Israel continues its military operations against Hamas with the goal of neutralizing the group's capabilities. The push to reach 70% [2] control suggests a transition from targeted raids to a more permanent administrative or military presence in larger sectors of the strip.
“"100 percent of Gaza should be for the Palestinian people."”
The discrepancy between the Israeli government's territorial goals and the UN's position highlights a fundamental conflict over the future governance of Gaza. While Israel views expanded control as a security necessity to dismantle Hamas, the international community, via the UN, views any permanent Israeli seizure of land as a violation of Palestinian sovereignty and international law.
