Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to expand control over 70% of Gaza, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. The directive, announced on May 28, 2026, comes as Israel continues military operations in Gaza despite a fragile ceasefire brokered in October 2025.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Netanyahu stated that Israel currently controls 60% of Gaza, up from 50% earlier, and has ordered further expansion. The move contradicts the October 2025 ceasefire agreement, which stipulated Israeli withdrawal to the "Yellow Line," leaving Israel in control of 53% of Gaza. However, Israel has since unilaterally adjusted the Yellow Line, effectively controlling 64% of the territory as of March 2026.
Deeper Dive & Context
Ceasefire Violations and Stalled Talks
The ceasefire, brokered by the U.S., aimed to halt Israeli attacks and secure Hamas' disarmament. However, indirect talks between Israel and Hamas have stalled, with no progress on the next phase of the agreement. Netanyahu's directive follows repeated Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, including during the Eid al-Adha celebrations, and comes amid heightened tensions with Hamas and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Military and Political Reactions
Hamas has condemned the expansion, calling it a violation of the ceasefire and an attempt to impose new facts on the ground. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has reiterated Israel's commitment to eliminating Hamas leadership and implementing a "voluntary emigration plan" for Gaza residents. Far-right Israeli officials, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have publicly supported the expansion.
Humanitarian Impact
The conflict has left Gaza in ruins, with at least 738 Palestinians killed since the ceasefire took effect, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The UN considers these figures reliable. The population is increasingly confined to a small strip of land along the coast, with aid groups reporting severe humanitarian crises.
International Response
The Washington Examiner reached out to the U.S. State Department for comment, but no official response has been reported. The expansion raises questions about the future of the ceasefire and the broader peace process in the region.