Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed the Israel Defense Forces to take control of 70% of the Gaza Strip, according to a report published on May 28, 2026, by Axios, citing two Israeli officials. The move aims to expand Israeli security control over the Palestinian territory, where the population is already confined to a narrow coastal area.
The directive, which has not been officially confirmed by the Israeli government, would mark a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. The report indicates that the military has been instructed to prepare for a large-scale operation to seize the specified area, though no timeline has been provided.
As of late May 2026, the situation in Gaza remains dire, with humanitarian organizations warning of a deepening crisis. The United Nations has reported that over 1.5 million people are displaced, and access to food, water, and medical supplies is severely limited. International calls for a ceasefire have intensified, but no agreement has been reached.
