IDF controls more than 60% of Gaza, Central Command chief says

At the same time, Bluth cautioned that Hamas remains in control of parts of Gaza despite suffering significant setbacks.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

More than 60% of the Gaza Strip is now under Israeli military control, according to Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth, head of the IDF’s Central Command, marking a significant expansion beyond the territory Israel was authorized to retain temporarily under the October 2025 ceasefire agreement with Hamas.

Speaking at a change-of-command ceremony for the 99th Division on Wednesday, Bluth said Israeli forces had made substantial gains during operations in the enclave.

“We are standing here in the northern Gaza Strip, looking at everything we have achieved—and we have achieved a great deal. More than 60% of the Strip is in our hands,” he said.

Bluth also said the IDF has established a security buffer protecting Israeli communities near the Gaza border, with two divisions deployed in the area.

“A cross-border raid like the one that occurred nearly three years ago is no longer possible,” he said.

At the same time, Bluth cautioned that Hamas remains in control of parts of Gaza despite suffering significant setbacks.

“Hamas still governs, the murderous organization retains residual capabilities, and its vision of destroying Israel has not changed,” he said.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in May that he had instructed the military to bring 70% of the Gaza Strip under Israeli control.

When the October 2025 ceasefire took effect, the IDF held roughly 53% of the territory, while Hamas controlled the remaining 47%, where nearly all of Gaza’s approximately 2 million residents were living.

However, one additional challenged faced by the IDF is Hamas’ continued refusal to surrender its weapons, which is a violation of the roadmap’s core demilitarization terms.

Hamas has consistently refused to disarm, claiming that it will not take this step until Israel fully withdraws from the Gaza Strip, something Israel has said runs counter to its security needs.