Israel now controls up to 70% of Gaza, Security Cabinet told amid expanded IDF offensive

Senior Israeli military officials informed the Security Cabinet on Tuesday that the IDF now controls 67% to 70% of the Gaza Strip. This expansion goes beyond the approximately 53% control, known as the Yellow Line, initially anticipated under a hostage-release agreement. The IDF broadened its operations due to Hamas's refusal to disarm and the ongoing threat it poses. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been pushing for this increased control, stating, "My directive is to move to 70% control of the Gaza Strip." He also noted, "We are not allowing them to rearm or attack us, and we are also eliminating their senior commanders."