Israeli push to take more of Gaza raises alarm as Hamas warns against escalation
Home Eight months into the ceasefire, Gaza faces attacks, aid shortages and rising violence Hamas said on Friday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's declaration that his country would expand its area of control in Gaza was a dangerous escalation, as European states and residents of the Palestinian territory also voiced alarm at the plan. Under a ceasefire deal in October, Israel's military was to remain in control of 53% of Gaza, but Netanyahu said on Friday that it would expand that area to an initial 70%, without laying out details or a timeline. The Palestinian group described his comments as a plan for ethnic cleansing and forced displacement of Palestinians. "Any attempt to impose a new reality of occupation in Gaza is null and illegitimate," said Ismail al-Thawabta, head of the Gaza government media office, adding that Netanyahu's statement "represents a dangerous escalation".
Published: May 29, 2026 5:29 pm
Source: The Express Tribune — Read original