This measure represents an open break with the terms of the ceasefire agreed with the Islamist movement Hamas, in effect since last October, and marks a new phase of Israeli territorial expansion within the Palestinian enclave.
During an intervention in the occupied West Bank, Netanyahu detailed the advances made by his troops, highlighting that military control has increased from approximately 52% at the beginning of the truce to the current 60%. "We have Hamas on the ropes," declared the leader before an audience that even called for the takeover of "one hundred percent" of the territory. In response to these requests, the Prime Minister urged caution: "Wait, let's go step by step. First the 70%. Let's start there." The ultimate goal of this maneuver, according to his words, is to ensure that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel's security.
This strategy of progressive expansion has been materialized through various military demarcations on the ground. During the ceasefire months, the Israeli Army established the so-called 'yellow line', a border that, although not physical, has forced the 2.1 million residents of the Strip to cram into less than half of the territory.
At the end of March, this pressure intensified with the creation of the 'orange line'. According to data from the NGO Gisha, this new demarcation serves to isolate an area of 174 square kilometers, which is equivalent to almost 48% of the total surface area of Gaza. In this zone, the movement of international organizations and NGOs has been strictly prohibited, unless there is prior coordination with the Israeli authorities. With the new order to reach 70% occupation, Netanyahu reaffirms his decision to advance militarily against what was stipulated in the agreement of October 10.