Netanyahu says Israel controls 60%

1/ What did Netanyahu say about Gaza control? Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu stated on Sunday that Israel now controls approximately 60% of Gaza's territory, despite an ongoing ceasefire. He made the comment during a televised address, acknowledging that Israeli forces had advanced beyond previously agreed lines. Netanyahu described the expansion as necessary for security, saying "we are securing our interests" without specifying a timeline for withdrawal. This marks the first public admission of territorial gains post-ceasefire. 2/ What is the 'Yellow Line' and why does crossing it matter? The 'Yellow Line' refers to the de facto boundary established during January ceasefire negotiations, separating Israeli-controlled zones from Hamas-held areas in central and southern Gaza. Israeli forces crossed it on Sunday during operations in Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis, according to IDF statements. This advance has prompted warnings from mediators Qatar and Egypt, who called it a "violation that undermines truce stability." The line was mapped using satellite imagery shared by U.S. officials in early 2026 talks. 3/ What strikes occurred and who was targeted? Israeli airstrikes on Sunday killed at least eight Palestinians, including three alleged Hamas commanders, in strikes across Gaza City and Rafah. The IDF confirmed targeting "terror infrastructure" linked to Hamas's military wing. Gaza's Health Ministry reported the deaths occurred between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. local time, with strikes hitting residential areas. No Israeli casualties were reported in the operations. 4/ How does Yahya Sinwar's death factor in? Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was killed by Israeli forces in October 2025 during a Rafah tunnel raid, creating a leadership vacuum. The group has delayed electing a successor amid internal divisions, with candidates including Khaled Mashal and Khalil al-Hayya. Sinwar's death, confirmed by DNA evidence per IDF reports, has stalled ceasefire talks. Hamas officials say no new leader will engage Israel without full withdrawal guarantees. 5/ What's the status of ceasefire diplomacy? Qatar-mediated talks in Doha collapsed Friday after Hamas rejected Israel's demand for demilitarization. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff described the Israeli territorial claims as a "new reality" in a CNN interview, while Egypt proposed a 60-day truce extension. Netanyahu's office reiterated no rollback of gains, linking further talks to Hamas releasing 20 more hostages. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged de-escalation, citing 1,200 Israeli and 42,000 Palestinian deaths since October 2023. 6/ What territory does Israel control in Gaza? Prior to Sunday, Israel held about 45% of Gaza, per Institute for National Security Studies maps—mainly northern strips and Philadelphi Corridor buffers. Netanyahu's 60% figure includes recent gains in Netzarim Corridor and coastal zones, totaling roughly 270 square kilometers of 365 total. Hamas retains control of densely populated southern enclaves, though Israeli drones patrol overhead. Analysts at the Washington Institute note this splits Gaza into three IDF-monitored zones. 7/ What's next for talks and on the ground? Hamas is set to convene a leadership vote by May 25 in Beirut, potentially naming a negotiator. Israel plans buffer zone fortifications by June 1, per Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Qatar has scheduled virtual talks for Wednesday with Witkoff and Hamas delegates. Aid convoys resumed Monday via Kerem Shalom, delivering 400 trucks amid warnings of famine in uncontrolled areas.