Large areas of northern Gaza are witnessing a new wave of displacement after Israeli forces expanded their field control over additional parts of the territory, while military operations continue despite political efforts aimed at solidifying the ceasefire and moving toward a new phase of understandings.
This development comes as Israeli forces maintain control over more than 60% of the Gaza Strip, alongside repeated evacuation orders for residents and demolition operations targeting remaining buildings in several areas. On May 28, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he had instructed the military to expand its control to approximately 70% of Gaza’s territory.
Military Expansion and Renewed Displacement
Residents and eyewitnesses reported that many families have been forced to leave their homes in northern Gaza in recent days as the areas under Israeli control have expanded.
In southern Gaza, witnesses described the enlargement of the so-called “Yellow Zone” located east of Khan Younis and north of Rafah, areas under Israeli military control. They noted the appearance of new border markers and concrete blocks in recent days, indicating the expansion of this zone.
Israeli tanks also advanced into the Al-Tuffah neighborhood east of Gaza City on Sunday, prompting more families to flee the area out of fear that military operations would intensify. Footage captured by Reuters showed two yellow blocks near a cluster of homes, serving as boundary markers for areas under Israeli control.
These developments further worsen the already severe humanitarian conditions faced by Gaza’s residents. Around two million people currently live in the enclave, most of whom have been displaced multiple times since the outbreak of the war, residing in temporary tents or damaged buildings within areas that remain under Hamas control.
Stalled Ceasefire and Ongoing Disputes
Although a ceasefire was announced in October 2025 through mediation by U.S. President Donald Trump, the agreement has so far failed to completely halt Israeli military operations inside Gaza. It has also not produced a final arrangement regarding the disarmament of Hamas, which remains one of the main points of contention among the parties involved.
Amid the continued conflict, Gaza’s Ministry of Health reported that nearly 1,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since last October. Israel, meanwhile, stated that four of its soldiers were killed during the same period in attacks carried out by militants.
Politically, efforts to advance negotiations are continuing. Sources familiar with the matter reported that Gaza Peace Council envoy Nikolay Mladenov arrived in Cairo to follow talks led by mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey with Hamas leaders, as part of discussions on implementing the second phase of Trump’s plan for Gaza.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, significant gaps remain between Israel and Hamas regarding the next steps. While the next phase of the plan includes arrangements involving Hamas disarmament and the withdrawal of Israeli forces, no agreement has yet been reached on how these provisions would be implemented or what guarantees would be required from both sides.
As political differences persist and military operations continue to expand on the ground, prospects for a more stable phase remain dependent on the ability of mediators to narrow the gap between the two sides, while Gaza’s residents continue to bear the consequences of war and ongoing displacement.
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Author: Counselor Faisal Al-Mutairi
Publication Date: June 17, 2026
Last Updated: June 2026.
