Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed the military to expand its control over the Gaza Strip to 70 per cent, tightening pressure on Hamas.
Speaking at a conference in an Israeli settlement, Netanyahu said Israeli forces were steadily increasing their control, currently holding 60 per cent of the territory.
Under the existing ceasefire arrangements, the military had controlled around half of Gaza. Netanyahu's directive is to move to 70 per cent, with the goal of 'squeezing Hamas from all sides.'
The ceasefire negotiations remain stalled, with both sides accusing each other of violating the agreement.
Despite the ceasefire, violence has continued across Gaza almost daily, with over 900 people killed by Israeli strikes since the ceasefire began, according to Gaza's health ministry.
