Netanyahu Orders Israeli Army to Control 70% of Gaza Strip

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he has instructed the Israeli army to seize control over 70% of the Gaza Strip, challenging the ceasefire conditions that have been in place since last October, according to Agence France-Presse.

Netanyahu stated, "We are currently besieging Hamas. We now control 60% of the territory of the Strip. As you know, we were at 50%, then moved to 60%; my orders are to advance to... 70%."

This declaration was made during a conference held at an Israeli settlement in the West Bank, as shown in a video broadcast by Israel's Channel 12.

Hamas Warns of Ceasefire Collapse Amid Israeli Escalation

In a related development, Hamas issued a warning about the collapse of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza due to ongoing Israeli escalations that have resulted in the deaths of 20 Palestinians over two days.

The movement stated in a press release that "the intense airstrikes last night on a residential apartment in central Gaza City constitute a new crime and a blatant renewed violation of the ceasefire agreement signed in Sharm El-Sheikh."

Hamas highlighted that the Israeli escalation against civilians across the Gaza Strip has caused the deaths of more than 20 Palestinians within the past 48 hours alone, as a result of continuous attacks on residential neighborhoods.