Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Thursday that he has directed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to expand military control over Gaza to 70%. Currently, the IDF claims to control about 60% of the territory, an increase from 50%. Netanyahu's comments came during a conference in the occupied West Bank, where he emphasized Israel's efforts to tighten its grip on Hamas. The IDF had previously provided maps indicating control over approximately 64% of Gaza. This escalation in military control could significantly reduce the territory available to nearly 2 million Palestinians living in the coastal enclave. Under the October 2025 ceasefire agreement, Israeli forces had retreated to a demarcation line known as the “yellow line,” which covered about 53% of Gaza. However, Hamas has accused Israel of violating this agreement by altering the demarcation line, calling it a serious breach that undermines efforts for stabilization and de-escalation. As the situation evolves, the implications of Netanyahu's directive could have profound effects on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.