Israel Tightens Grip on Gaza as Deadlock With Hamas Persists
Israeli soldiers looking at the destroyed city of Jabalia, in Gaza Strip, in April.
Photographer: Erik Marmor/Getty ImagesIsrael has expanded its control of Gazan territory and is considering more intense military action, further squeezing the war-torn enclave.
The army advanced beyond the agreed temporary boundary and now controls 60% of Gaza, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich told Tel Aviv radio station 103 FM this week. That figure was corroborated by another Israeli official and a foreign diplomat involved in monitoring the ceasefire, both of whom asked not to be identified by name discussing sensitive matters. The original boundary gave Israel control of 53% of Gaza.