Israel: Netanyahu Claims Israel Has Controlled 60% of Gaza Area
On May 17, Xinhua News Agency reported from Jerusalem (reporters Pang Xinyi and Chen Junqing) that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that Israel has been expanding its control over the Gaza Strip, and currently controls 60% of the area.
The report said that Netanyahu mentioned in a government meeting: "Now, the area we control in Gaza is no longer 50%, but 60%." He also stated that Israel is strengthening its control over the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) to ensure that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel.
The report also mentioned that Israel released a "new map of Gaza" in March this year. This map shows that in addition to controlling 53% of the Gaza Strip, Israel has added a "restricted area." This "restricted area" accounts for about 11% of the total area of the Gaza Strip, exceeding the boundaries defined by the "yellow line."
According to the first phase agreement of the Gaza ceasefire, the area outside the "yellow line" is under military control, while the area inside the "yellow line" is no longer occupied or operated by the military. The military has repeatedly shot Palestinians who crossed the "yellow line," accusing Hamas militants of launching attacks "across the line."
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that Israel has expanded its control over 60% of the Gaza Strip as of May 17, 2023. He emphasized that this expansion is part of efforts to strengthen control over Hamas, ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel. A new map indicating these changes was released in March 2023, which includes a newly designated restricted area.
- Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that Israel now controls 60% of the Gaza Strip.
- Israel has strengthened its control over Hamas to ensure Gaza does not pose a threat.
- A new map of Gaza was released by Israel in March, showing an additional restricted area.