Politics Netanyahu confirms expansion of Israel's control in Gaza
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed an expansion of the territory controlled by Israel in the Gaza Strip. "In Gaza, we no longer hold 50 percent, but already 60 percent (of the territory)," Netanyahu said at a cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, according to his office.
17.05.2026, 14:36
SDA
Media report: Israel is now said to control 64 percent of Gaza
The newspaper "Israel Hajom" recently reported, citing a senior Western diplomat, that Israel had significantly expanded the area controlled by the army in the Gaza Strip in recent weeks. The Israeli military now controls 64 percent of the coastal strip, which was largely destroyed in the war.
The troops are now stationed along an "orange line", which has replaced the previous "yellow line". Israel has thus taken control of a further eleven percent of the Palestinian territory, which corresponds to 34 square kilometers. There was initially no official confirmation of the report.
The newspaper reported that the move was made with the knowledge and approval of the Peace Council after it became clear that the Islamist terrorist organization Hamas had violated its obligations and failed to meet the timetable for its disarmament. There was no confirmation of this information either.
Hamas accuses Israel of violating the agreements of US President Donald Trump's peace plan by continuing its attacks in the Gaza Strip. According to the Hamas-controlled health authority, more than 870 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip since a ceasefire began in October.
Further restrictions on freedom of movement in the Gaza Strip
Residents of the coastal strip reported that the expansion of the area controlled by Israel had further restricted the population's freedom of movement, especially in the eastern and northern parts. The army has erected new barriers and military posts. According to the peace plan, Israel must withdraw its troops further in return for Hamas disarming.
According to media reports and accounts from Gaza, the terrorist organization has managed to consolidate its power again in the area controlled by Hamas. However, Netanyahu said at the cabinet meeting that Israel had "Hamas under control". Israel has the task of ensuring "that Gaza will never again pose a threat to Israel".
