Israel expands Gaza occupation to 59%, prepares for possible war resumption, army radio says

Israel has expanded its occupation to 59% of Gaza and is preparing for possible resumption of genocide in the Palestinian enclave, the Israeli Army Radio said Sunday. Before the October 2025 ceasefire, Israel occupied 53% of the strip, the broadcaster said. For its part, Palestinian group Hamas has said the Israeli army occupies over 60% of the coastal enclave.

Military preparations

Senior Israeli military officials "are pressing for a resumption of fighting in Gaza and believe that the best time to defeat Hamas is now," the radio said. The radio also reported military preparations for a possible resumption of fighting, noting that the army has reduced forces in southern Lebanon and redeployed regular brigades to Gaza and the West Bank. It said the southern command has completed operational plans and is ready to resume fighting if ordered by the political leadership.

Ceasefire violations

The report comes amid Israel's ongoing ceasefire violations in the Gaza Strip, as well as attacks in the West Bank. The truce was meant to end a two-year Israeli onslaught on Gaza, which left more than 72,000 dead and 172,000 wounded, and destroyed 90% of civilian infrastructure.

Hamas in Cairo

Meanwhile, a Hamas delegation is in Cairo holding meetings with mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye to discuss full implementation of the Gaza agreement. Hamas has responded "positively and attentively" to proposals from mediators.