Israeli PM orders army to seize 70 percent of Gaza, defying ceasefire terms

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday he had ordered the military to take control of 70 percent of the Gaza Strip, in defiance of the terms of a ceasefire that took effect in October. Speaking at a conference in an occupied West Bank settlement, Netanyahu said Israeli forces currently hold 60 percent of the territory, up from 50 percent under the original truce terms. The remarks were aired by Israel's Channel 12 network.

What did Netanyahu say about expanding military control in Gaza?

Netanyahu said Israeli forces had progressively expanded their foothold in Gaza, moving from 50 percent control under the ceasefire to 60 percent, with orders now issued to reach 70 percent.

"We're squeezing them from all sides," he said, referring to Hamas. The ceasefire required Israeli forces to pull back behind a demarcation line separating Israeli-held territory from areas under Hamas control.

Why has the Gaza ceasefire stalled?

The first phase of the truce saw the last hostages seized during Hamas's October 7, 2023, raid on Israel released in exchange for Palestinians captured by Israel.

The second phase, which was intended to involve Hamas's disarmament and a gradual Israeli military withdrawal, has been stalled for months.

Both the Israeli military and Hamas have accused each other of violating the truce, which has been in effect since October 10.

How many people have been killed since the ceasefire began?

Israel has killed more than 900 people since the ceasefire took effect, according to Gaza's health ministry. The ministry operates under Hamas authority, and its figures are considered reliable by the United Nations.

Daily violence has continued across the territory throughout the truce period.

What has happened to Hamas's military leadership?

Israel said on Wednesday it had killed Mohammed Odeh, the new head of Hamas's armed wing in Gaza, shortly after killing his predecessor earlier in the month.

Odeh is the fourth commander of the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades that Israel says it has killed since the war began. Israel has systematically targeted Hamas leaders both inside Gaza and across the region since the October 2023 attacks.

What is Israel's stated goal for Gaza's future?

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz reiterated on Wednesday that Israel's goal is to end Hamas's rule over Gaza. He also alluded to a plan for the forced displacement of Gaza's residents, saying a "voluntary migration" plan would be implemented at the right time.

Netanyahu has consistently framed the military campaign as aimed at dismantling Hamas's control over the territory.