Prime Minister Netanyahu orders the military to expand its control over Gaza.

The Israeli Prime Minister has instructed the country's military to take control of 70% of the Gaza Strip. Photo: The Jerusalem Post.

Speaking at a conference in a West Bank Jewish settlement on May 28, Netanyahu publicly outlined a phased roadmap for controlling the Gaza Strip: "We were at 50%, then we moved on to 60% (the army currently controls about 64%). My instruction is to move forward – step by step. First, 70%. Let's start with that number. We are tightening the noose around Hamas from all sides and will deal with what remains." The Israeli leader described the territories his army has seized in Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon as "buffer zones" to prevent security threats, while affirming that the next goal remains the complete defeat of Hezbollah.

However, Israel's unilateral move to move the concrete blocks marking the Line of Control (Yellow Line) deeper into Hamas-controlled territory is facing strong resistance.

Palestinians fear that the expansion of this buffer zone is part of a strategy to permanently expel them from the Gaza Strip, especially after statements by several high-ranking Israeli ministers, including Defense Minister Israel Katz, encouraging Palestinians to “voluntarily migrate.”

This military escalation occurred during the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, causing significant civilian casualties. Gaza health officials say Israeli airstrikes since the ceasefire agreement last October have killed more than 900 people.

Prime Minister Netanyahu orders the military to expand its control over Gaza.

Houses destroyed by Israeli airstrikes at the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza Strip. Photo: Reuters.

Most recently, an attack on the night of May 27th targeting Hamas leaders at a building collapsed the tents of refugee families nearby, killing at least 10 people, including 5 children, and injuring 18 others.

The day before, the Israeli army also confirmed that it had killed Mohammad Odeh, the new leader of the armed wing of Hamas, and Ihab Khrizim, the head of the central money transfer network, in Khan Younis.

Thanh Giang

Source: Reuters.

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