Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he has ordered the military to expand control over Gaza to 70% of the territory, raising fears of a collapse of the October ceasefire.

Israeli forces have gradually increased their presence beyond the original ceasefire lines, while armed militias backed by Israel have reportedly pressured Palestinians to leave areas near the border zones.

Critics, including UN-linked observers and analysts, argue the expansion would violate the ceasefire agreement and worsen humanitarian conditions for Gaza’s 2.2 million residents.

Israeli officials say the policy aims to pressure Hamas and promote what they call “voluntary migration,” a description human rights groups reject as forced displacement, The Guardian has reported.

Analysts warn the move could leave Palestinians confined to less than one-third of Gaza and further undermine prospects for peace negotiations.