GAZA/CAIRO, May 29 - Hamas said on Friday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's declaration to expand Israel's area of control in Gaza was a dangerous escalation, as Palestinian residents voiced alarm.
Under the October ceasefire, Israel's military controlled 53% of Gaza. But Netanyahu said on Friday it would expand to an initial 70%, without details or timeline.
The Palestinian militant group, which sparked two years of devastating war with its October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, termed the plan ethnic cleansing and forced displacement.
MAJOR DISPUTES POSTPONED
"Any attempt to impose a new reality of occupation in Gaza is null and illegitimate," said Ismail al-Thawabta, head of the Hamas-run Gaza government media office, calling it a dangerous escalation.
Over eight months into the ceasefire, and with global focus on the war in Iran, Gaza's conflict remains unresolved with continued Israeli attacks, limited aid, and risk of renewed violence.
Israel has already expanded its control from 53% to around 64%. Further reduction of space for over 2 million Gazans, mostly in tents, risks worsening dire conditions. "Where do we go? To the sea? There is no space," said Mohammed al-Shagra, 72, in Khan Younis.
Last year's U.S.-brokered deal established a Board of Peace and was ratified by the U.N. Security Council. However, tough issues like Hamas disarmament, full Israeli withdrawal, and Gaza's government makeup were postponed.
Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violating the truce. Israeli strikes have killed over 900 Palestinians; Palestinian attacks have killed four Israeli soldiers since the truce began. Israel's military and PM's office did not comment. A Board of Peace spokesperson declined comment. Britain and France did not respond. Germany expressed concern over Israeli plans to take more of Gaza.
RISK OF FURTHER VIOLENCE
Facing elections and pressure over failures in Iran and Lebanon wars, Netanyahu may seek to bolster his standing. "He's determined to look tough, but his opponents blame him for fighting a seven-front war without winning any," said Max Rodenbeck of International Crisis Group.
"Unless there's pushback from the Trump administration, it risks a return to something very bloody," he added.
For Gazans, the prospect of increased Israeli military pressure is alarming. "We see no ceasefire; they keep advancing. How long will the world stay silent?" said Mohammed al-Jundi, a displaced man in Gaza City.
In Israel, security hawks view tougher military pressure as the only way to force Hamas disarmament. "It looks like a step towards another collision, but maybe this time it will be shorter and open a path to a new future," said Kobi Michael of Israel's Institute for National Security Studies.
