On May 28, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered Israeli Defense Forces to seize control of 70% of the Gaza Strip as the Palestinian death toll rose to over 75,000. A U.S.-brokered truce from October 2025 initially allowed Israel to control 53% of Gaza; however, they have been consistently attempting to seize more and currently hold 64% of the Strip. Netanyahu said these “step-by-step” military offensives are necessary actions to eliminate Hamas forces. Repeated ceasefire attempts have been broken or short-lived, with both parties accusing each other of violating the agreements.

Hamas officials said Netanyahu’s advancements are a dangerous escalation of the situation. Ismail al-Thawabta, head of the Hamas-run Gaza government media office, said that any further occupation is “null and illegitimate.”

These latest Israeli military advancements came after multiple Western nations accused the Israeli government of escalating tensions in the West Bank. Australia, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and New Zealand are demanding a halt to any further expansion in the West Bank. The seven countries made a joint statement saying, “Settler violence is at unprecedented levels. The policies and practices of the Israeli government, including a further entrenchment of Israeli control, are undermining stability and prospects for a two-state solution.”

These continued territorial expansions only cause more violent interactions altogether. As Israel continues seeking more settlements, it inherently allows for more opportunities for violent interactions from both sides. Militaristic control of territory does not necessarily solve any political issue for either side; it only contributes to the conflict, while risking further escalation. Constant expansion only prolongs this conflict and could have negative implications for any future peace talks or eventual reconstruction.

Beyond political and security concerns, territory expansion has many humanitarian consequences for those living in Gaza. The increased expansions are destructive and dangerous for Palestinians as they continuously force the relocation of civilians, destroy infrastructure, and challenge humanitarian assistance. As militaristic operations push further into territories, it forces the displacement of Palestinian civilians in those areas. Expanding settlements requires rezoning civilian areas and farmlands. These displacements make it even more difficult for civilians to access basic resources such as food, shelter, and healthcare. Additionally, the relentless bombing and militaristic advancements have already destroyed a substantial amount of civilian infrastructure. As Israel continues to push through Gaza and the West Bank, they are destroying roads, water networks, powerlines, and communication channels. Also, expanding can make already difficult humanitarian aid deliveries even more challenging. If common routes, roads, and transportation are seized or destroyed, it could make it more difficult for aid to reach affected groups.

Moreover, the joint statement from these seven nations is largely symbolic and can be seen as hypocritical. Although these countries have expressed concerns over Israel’s expansions, their statements have rarely amounted to any meaningful policy changes or consequences. The statements were not accompanied by any concrete or specific action from the nations. Israel has continued expanding despite public criticism. Furthermore, these nations publicly condemned the expansions, yet some of them still trade with, cooperate militarily with, or diplomatically support Israel. These seven nations all differ in their stance and cooperation on the conflict, but ultimately, this could limit the effectiveness of their public criticism.

Instead of continuing the violent conflict over who controls certain territories, both parties should use diplomatic means to resolve the situation. Having meaningful ceasefires and peace treaties would be ideal for this conflict. Obviously, this conflict is decades-long and complex, so there is not a single solution capable of resolving every problem related to this situation. However, meaningful peacebuilding could help ease the conflict over time. This would require strong and fair negotiations instead of temporary ceasefires that are not even respected. Peace deals should be established by strong diplomatic means, with each party willing and able to be held accountable by international mediators backed by neutral governments. This aims to ensure that negotiations are fair and taken seriously when ceasefires are established.

Fair negotiations and peace talks between the affected groups are not the only matters that can be done to ease the situation. The international community should pursue a more efficient and objective plan to alleviate tensions in this conflict. Instead of supporting more military operations, influential international nations should prioritize nonviolent diplomatic objectives regarding the situation. Also, this could encourage other countries to assist with de-escalation.

Addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is necessary moving forward. Forming some sort of administrative body in charge of reconstruction in Gaza could help, as it would ensure that the people are getting efficient and protected plans for rebuilding. Further groups and organizations could form beneath the administrative body to tailor to specific reconstruction needs. Before any type of physical rebuilding occurs, demilitarized humanitarian safe zones should be established for civilians. This could start to build up the civilian population. These zones would allow aid to be delivered safely and consistently, while granting access to safe healthcare and education. If security is required for these zones, they should only act as monitors, not combat personnel. Infrastructure reconstruction and repairs are essential for Gaza, as this would allow for greater stability for the population. Reconstruction should prioritize bringing back essential buildings, in hopes that public services can be reliable and consistent.

Looking ahead, these proposals may not be end-all solutions to the complexities of this conflict, but they are attempting to be diplomatic resolutions that are fair to both parties, while incorporating other nations and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.