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2026-07-16 23:28:11
[Israeli Army Claims Control of Over 60% of Gaza Strip] The Times of Israel, citing Israeli Central Command Commander Avi Blut, reported on the 16th that the Israeli military now controls over 60% of the Gaza Strip. Blut made the remarks at a commander handover ceremony near the Gaza border, stating that over 60% of the Gaza Strip is now under Israeli control. The Israeli military has also established a security zone near the Gaza border, garrisoned by two divisions, making a scenario similar to the Hamas cross-border attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, "unlikely to happen again." Blut claimed that Hamas retains some military capability and controls other parts of the Gaza Strip, and its goal of "destroying Israel" remains unchanged. Under the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, which will take effect in October 2025, Israel controls 53% of the Gaza Strip. In May of this year, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that the Israeli military controls approximately 60% of the Gaza Strip and that he has ordered its control to be expanded to approximately 70%. Hamas accused Israel of blatantly violating the ceasefire agreement. (Xinhua)
