Israel Expands Military Control to 70% of Gaza Strip

The Israel Defense Forces have expanded military control of the Gaza Strip to over 70%, surpassing the 53% threshold established under the October 2025 ceasefire agreement. Senior military officials informed the Security Cabinet that this expansion follows directives from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz to increase territorial dominance.

Israeli forces moved beyond the designated Yellow Line security zone after Hamas refused to disarm as required by a 20-point plan proposed by President Donald Trump. The strategy focuses on preventing Hamas from rearming and eliminating senior commanders. To solidify these gains, Israeli military vehicles have pushed concrete barriers further west near Dawla Junction in Gaza City.

Concurrent with the territorial expansion, Israeli air and artillery strikes in Gaza City killed at least four Palestinians on Thursday. These included drone strikes in the western port area and Tuffah neighborhood, and artillery shelling in the Zeitoun neighborhood. Data from the Gaza Health Ministry indicates that between 1,123 and 1,127 Palestinians have been killed since the October 2025 ceasefire took effect.