Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled a significant escalation in military operations, revealing he has instructed the Israel Defense Forces to seize control of 70 percent of the Gaza Strip. Speaking at a conference in the West Bank, Netanyahu asserted that the military currently holds 60 percent of the territory, a notable increase from the 50 percent threshold established under previous ceasefire agreements. This directive directly challenges the terms of the October truce, which had originally envisioned a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces and the gradual disarmament of Hamas.

The ongoing conflict continues to be defined by broken protocols, as the second phase of the ceasefire—intended to facilitate a broader de-escalation—has remained stalled for months. Meanwhile, the human toll continues to rise, with Gaza’s health ministry reporting over 900 deaths since the truce began. Amidst the persistent violence, Israel has intensified its campaign against Hamas leadership, recently announcing the targeted killing of Mohammed Odeh, the latest commander of the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades. Furthermore, Defense Minister Israel Katz has reiterated the government's long-term objective of dismantling Hamas’s governance, hinting at controversial plans for the migration of residents as the military campaign persists.