Israel seizes nearly 60 percent of Gaza as it plans to resume war, report says

Israel has expanded its control of the Gaza Strip to nearly 60 percent of the territory despite the ceasefire, as it prepares for a possible resumption of the war, Army Radio reported on Sunday.

Senior military officials, cited by the broadcaster, said they are pressing to restart fighting, arguing that now is the optimal moment to defeat Hamas.

Operational plans for renewed attacks have been completed, the report said, with a final decision pending approval from Israel’s political leadership.

The military has also reduced forces in southern Lebanon while redeploying brigades to Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

The Army Radio also reported there was has been an increase in attacks lately. 

Meanwhile, Israeli forces have expanded the so-called “Yellow Line” to absorb more of Gaza, pushing the population into roughly 40 percent of the enclave while troops remain stationed across the remaining 60 percent in the south, north and east.

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