Netanyahu Aims to Seize 70% of Gaza, Hamas Warns of Dangerous Ethnic Cleansing

GAZA— The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) stated on Friday (30 May 2026) that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to expand Israeli-controlled territory in the Gaza Strip constitutes a highly dangerous escalation.

The statement comes amid growing Palestinian concerns over the implications of the announcement.

The ceasefire agreement reached last October stipulates that, in the first phase, the Israeli military maintains control of around 53% of the Gaza Strip.

However, Netanyahu affirmed that Israel would expand its control to 70% in the initial phase, though he did not provide details or a timeline.

Hamas condemned the statement, calling it part of a plan for ethnic cleansing and forced displacement of Palestinians from their land.

Meanwhile, Gaza Government Media Office Director Ismail Al-Thawabta stressed that any attempts to impose a new reality in Gaza lack legal basis and are illegitimate, describing Netanyahu’s remarks as a dangerous escalation.

Amid global attention focused on US and Israel’s conflict with Iran, and over eight months since the ceasefire began, Israeli violations and attacks in Gaza continue without resolution.

This situation is exacerbated by decreasing humanitarian aid reaching civilians.

Israel has already expanded its controlled territory in Gaza from the 53% behind the “Yellow Line” as set in the ceasefire agreement to around 64%.