UN Slams Israel Over Plan to Occupy 70% of Gaza

## United Nations Response to Israeli Plans The United Nations on Friday voiced strong criticism of Israel following reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had directed the military to extend control over 70 percent of the Gaza Strip. Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric emphasized at the organization's New York headquarters that the entire territory must remain available for the Palestinian people. He reiterated calls for Israel to withdraw from the so-called yellow line, framing the position as consistent with international law and support for Palestinian self-determination. ## Netanyahu's Announcement on Territorial Control Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Thursday that Israeli forces currently hold 60 percent of Gaza and indicated intentions to increase that figure to 70 percent. The remarks offered no specific details on implementation methods or timelines. This follows earlier military statements from October of the previous year, when the Israeli army reported control over 53 percent of the territory after repositioning along the yellow line as part of the initial phase of a U.S.-backed plan associated with President Donald Trump. ## The Yellow Line and Its Evolution The yellow line functions as a temporary separation zone along eastern Gaza, intended to distinguish areas under Israeli military authority from those accessible to Palestinian residents. Under the framework of the Trump plan, the first phase involved redeployment to this line, with a second phase launched in January that anticipated additional Israeli pullbacks. Palestinian sources, however, report that the boundary has shifted westward over recent months, resulting in an additional 8 to 9 percent of territory falling under Israeli control and pushing the total beyond 60 percent. ## Palestinian Accounts of Boundary Shifts Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim described the incremental advances across the yellow line in comments to Anadolu Agency. These observations align with the reported increase in Israeli-held areas since the October redeployment. Such developments occur against the backdrop of ongoing negotiations tied to the phased U.S. initiative, where further withdrawals were originally envisioned but have yet to materialize in the manner outlined. ## Regional Implications and Broader Context Expansion of Israeli control along these lines risks entrenching divisions within Gaza that could hinder any return to unified Palestinian administration or future self-determination efforts. The UN position underscores concerns that such measures contradict the principle of the territory remaining fully available to its residents. For neighboring states like Lebanon, sustained territorial changes in Gaza may influence cross-border dynamics, refugee movements, and the prospects for comprehensive regional stability tied to Palestinian issues. The absence of detailed implementation plans from Israeli authorities leaves uncertainty about how these shifts might affect humanitarian access and long-term governance arrangements. By Malik Hassan, Staff Writer