Netanyahu Orders Army to Seize 70% of Gaza, Risks Ceasefire Collapse

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to take control of 70% of the Gaza Strip, a move that violates the current ceasefire agreement and threatens to worsen the humanitarian crisis in the devastated territory. Speaking in a West Bank settlement, Netanyahu said the goal is to “squeeze Hamas.” The announcement comes as the prime minister fights for his political survival ahead of elections. Under the US-brokered ceasefire signed in October, Israeli forces withdrew to a demarcation line that gave Israel direct control of 53% of Gaza. Since then, the army has gradually pushed westward into areas held by Hamas, expanding a no-man’s land where Israel claims the right to open fire on anyone it sees as a threat.