Israel has 40% control of Gaza City as the Israel Defense Forces are now preparing to seize the entire area, an Israeli military spokesperson confirmed Thursday. 

Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin told reporters at a news briefing that his forces had already secured large neighborhoods in its latest offensive.

“We continue to damage Hamas’ infrastructure,” he said before adding: “Today we hold 40% of the territory of Gaza City.”

“We will continue to operate until all the war’s objectives are achieved. First and foremost, the return of the hostages and the dismantling of Hamas’ rule,” he added.

Destroyed buildings lie in Gaza, as seen from the Israeli side of the border, July 28, 2025. (Reuters)

On the evacuations, Israeli officials say 70,000 people have fled Gaza City so far, though Palestinian authorities contend far fewer have left, with tens of thousands still in the path of advancing forces.

Israel launched its major Gaza City offensive on Aug. 10 under “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” deploying tens of thousands of reservists to fight together with its regular troops.

There are still 48 hostages believed to be held in Gaza.

Netanyahu initially said Israel would conquer all of Gaza after indirect talks with Hamas on a ceasefire and hostage release deal broke down in July.