Netanyahu orders Israeli army to seize ‘70% of Gaza Strip’, violating ceasefire deal

AI Summary

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the army to take control of 70% of the Gaza Strip, a move that breaches the US-brokered ceasefire and threatens worsening humanitarian conditions. The ongoing military advances have heightened conflict tensions and political uncertainty.

Speaking in West Bank settlement, Israeli PM, who is fighting for political survival before elections, says ‘we are squeezing Hamas’ Middle East crisis – live updates Benjamin Netanyahu has said he has given orders to the Israeli army to seize control of 70% of the Gaza Strip in a move that threatens to torpedo an already fragile ceasefire and create catastrophic humanitarian conditions in the already devastated territory. Under the US-brokered ceasefire in October, the Israeli army withdrew to a demarcation line which gave Israel direct control of 53% of the occupied territory. Since then, Israeli forces have steadily advanced their positions westward into the Hamas-controlled half of the strip, and declared an ever-expanded no man’s land west of that, within which they claim the right to decide who can enter and open fire on anyone perceived as a threat. Continue reading...