# Hamas says that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s declaration that his country would expand its area of control in Gaza was a dangerous escalation. European states and residents of the Palestinian territory also voiced alarm at the plan. Under a ceasefire deal in October Israel’s military was to remain in control of 53-percent of Gaza, but Netanyahu said on Friday that it would expand that area to an initial 70-percent. The Palestinian militant group described his comments as a plan for ethnic cleansing and further forced displacement of Palestinians.
Israeli push to take more of Gaza raises alarm