Israel has stepped up military operations in Gaza by expanding its control on the ground and increasing air strikes, framing the situation as a continued 'state of war' rather than a ceasefire. The escalation comes as Israel seeks to weaken Hamas further, prevent it from regaining authority, and maintain long-term security control over large parts of Gaza.
At the same time, a new US-backed technocratic Palestinian administration meant to manage postwar governance is being sidelined, as Israel appears unwilling to hand over real authority without first reshaping Gaza’s political and security landscape. Analysts say this reflects a strategy of keeping military pressure high while delaying any political settlement.
Israel has also quietly enlarged restricted military zones, with reports showing that nearly two-thirds of Gaza is now either under Israeli control or subject to movement limits, making civilian life and aid access increasingly difficult. Critics argue this risks turning temporary military measures into lasting territorial control.
