Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had ordered the military to take control of 70% of the Gaza Strip, up from a currently estimated 64% and well beyond the confines of the October 2025 ceasefire agreement, The Times of Israel reported on May 28. Netanyahu's comments came as Israeli forces continued to conduct assassinations and targeted operations against the Palestinian group Hamas throughout the week.

The October ceasefire allotted Israel around 50% of the strip, delineated by the "yellow line." Under the ceasefire's second phase, Israel was to withdraw from the strip in exchange for Hamas laying down arms and giving up a political role in Gaza. However, this part of the ceasefire has run into obstacles, specifically Hamas' refusal to give up its arms and intent to remain in some capacity within Gaza, while Israel has not abandoned its own maximalist demands against the militants. Even so, the United States has refused to back a fresh offensive in Gaza as the Iran war continues, leaving the Israeli troops in Gaza focused on expanding control rather than finishing the conquest of the strip.