IDF Claims 60 Percent Control of Gaza as Operations Expand Northward
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich confirmed on May 9 that the IDF has expanded its territorial control to 60% of the Gaza Strip, advancing the 'yellow line' deeper into previously contested districts. This expansion follows targeted strikes on Palestinian Islamic Jihad weapons production sites and Hamas explosives facilities in northern Gaza. Smotrich emphasized that while Hamas's re-armament is limited, full defeat of the group remains the objective before transitioning to rehabilitation.
Date: May 9, 2026
Location: Palestine
Conflict: Israel-Hamas War
Category: infrastructure
Severity: HIGH
Displaced: 850
Source: Times of India