Middle East war live: Netanyahu orders Israeli troops to occupy 70 percent of Gaza Strip
France 24 • • world
Key Points:
- The US has warned Oman against facilitating tolls for the Strait of Hormuz, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stating that any actors involved will face aggressive penalties.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the military to take control of 70% of the Gaza Strip, escalating military operations despite a US-backed ceasefire in place since October.
- Iran condemned recent US strikes near Bandar Abbas and threatened a firm response to any further attacks, while also criticizing American rhetoric against Iran and regional countries.
- The US intensified pressure on Iran by halting Iranian airlines' access to landing spots and sanctioning the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, aiming to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.
- Tensions escalated with Iranian missile and drone attacks on Kuwait, which the US and Kuwait condemned as serious ceasefire violations; US forces intercepted multiple Iranian drones in the area.