Israel Expands Gaza Control Amid Cairo Talks

Israel Expands Gaza Control Amid Cairo Talks

Israeli forces have intensified their military operations and territorial control within the Gaza Strip, coinciding with ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Cairo involving Palestinian factions and international mediators. Over the past week, Israel has extended earth barriers, known as berms, along an expanding "Yellow Line" across Gaza, demolishing residential areas and conducting strikes that have increased the post-ceasefire death toll to over 970, according to Gaza's Ministry of Health.

The expansion includes digging land in southern Gaza's Mawasi Rafah, leveling farmland south of Khan Younis, and planting concrete markers in various locations. Satellite imagery analysis suggests Israel is approximately one month from controlling 70 percent of Gaza. These actions follow Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's stated intention to extend Israeli control beyond the October ceasefire agreement lines.

Military raids have targeted displaced civilians, resulting in multiple fatalities. On June 4, 11 people were killed in Gaza City, including five members of the Labad family. Subsequent strikes on June 5, 6, and 7 in Khan Younis, Gaza City, and Deir el-Balah killed additional Palestinians, including women and children. Naval forces also killed two fishermen off Deir el-Balah. Gaza's Ministry of Health reported May as the deadliest month of the year, with 119 fatalities. These developments occur as the humanitarian system in Gaza faces collapse, with aid funding cuts and significant price increases, while the UN estimates prices are 235 percent above pre-October 2023 levels.