Israel Expands Gaza Control Despite Ceasefire, Netanyahu Signals 70 Percent Goal
Israel has expanded control over roughly 60 percent of Gaza and signaled plans to hold 70 percent, moves that proceed despite an October 2025 ceasefire and raise fresh risks of renewed fighting.
Local health officials say at least 932 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli strikes since the ceasefire took effect. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified on June 2, 2026, that Netanyahu's 70 percent control statement does not match the U.S. plan for ending the conflict.
The October 2025 Gaza ceasefire ended two years of full-scale hostilities and freed remaining Oct. 7 hostages, but it has not produced Israeli withdrawals or reconstruction. Israel now controls about 60 percent of Gaza territory, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel plans to take 70 percent.
Ceasefires meant to calm fighting across the Middle East have been fraying, with violence worsening in several places.[1] That regional trend has added urgency to international diplomacy as on-the-ground shifts in Gaza reshape prospects for a longer-term settlement.
Show source details & analysis (1 source)
📌 Key Facts
- The October 2025 Gaza ceasefire ended two years of full-scale hostilities and freed remaining Oct. 7 hostages but has not produced withdrawals or reconstruction.
- Israel now controls about 60 percent of Gaza territory and Netanyahu has said Israel plans to take 70 percent.
- Local health officials say at least 932 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli strikes since the ceasefire took effect.
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified on June 2, 2026, that Netanyahu's 70 percent control statement does not match the U.S. plan for ending the conflict.
📰 Source Timeline (1)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time