New york: The UN has issued a strong rebuke to Israel following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's directive to expand military occupation in Gaza to 70%. The international body emphasized that the entirety of Gaza must remain Palestinian territory.

According to Anadolu Agency, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric addressed reporters at the UN headquarters in New York, underscoring the organization's stance. "One hundred percent of Gaza should be for the Palestinian people," Dujarric stated, reiterating the call for Israel to retreat from its occupation near the 'yellow line.'

Netanyahu's recent declaration revealed that Israel currently maintains control over 60% of the Gaza Strip, with intentions to increase this to 70%. However, he did not provide details on how this expansion would be realized.

The Israeli military had previously announced its control over 53% of Gaza as of October last year, following a redeployment to the 'yellow line.' This action was part of the initial phase of a plan proposed by former US President Donald Trump aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Under the plan's second phase, initiated in January, further Israeli withdrawals were anticipated. The 'yellow line' serves as a temporary separation demarcating Israeli-controlled areas from those where Palestinians reside. Nevertheless, Palestinian sources indicate that the boundary has been incrementally moved westward.

Bassem Naim, a senior official from Hamas, informed Anadolu that Israel has incrementally expanded its control by an additional 8% to 9% into Gaza, thereby increasing the occupied area to more than 60%.