His remarks indicate that Israel now occupies about 255 square km (around 94 square mi) of Gaza’s total 365 square km (nearly 141 square mi).
According to Netanyahu’s statements, Israel expanded its occupation in Gaza from 53 percent at the start of the ceasefire to 60 percent by May 15, and then to 70 percent at present.
On Friday, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem condemned continued Israeli violations of the ceasefire, including the expansion of the “yellow line” into new areas, along with associated displacement and destruction of homes.
“These violations require a clear stance from mediators to pressure the occupation to stop them,” he said.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, as of Thursday, Israeli ceasefire violations have so far killed 1,031 Palestinians and injured 3,309 others.
Since October 2023, Israel’s genocide in Gaza has killed over 73,000 Palestinians and injured over 173,000, and caused widespread destruction affecting 90 percent of civilian infrastructure.
