Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directs the Israeli military to expand its control over Gaza, initially targeting control of 70% of the Strip, according to multiple reports. The directives come amid ongoing fighting in Gaza and mutual accusations between Israel and Hamas over alleged violations of a ceasefire that took effect in October. Several outlets report that the ceasefire had required Israeli forces to withdraw to or behind a demarcation line referenced as the “yellow line,” separating areas under Hamas control from areas held by Israeli forces. Since then, Reuters and others cited by outlets say Israeli forces have been advancing westward into areas of Gaza controlled by Hamas and have declared additional no-man’s-land areas, effectively tightening Israel’s grip. Reports also note that Israel already effectively controls a substantial portion of Gaza’s small, coastal territory—figures cited include about 53% to 64%—with Gaza’s population increasingly confined to a narrow coastal area. The announced 70% target is presented by several outlets as threatening to further undermine the fragile ceasefire and intensify humanitarian concerns as violence continues.