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United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) situation report documenting that as of June 2, 2026, the Israeli government has instructed its forces to expand military control to up to 70% of the Gaza Strip, with current control estimated at approximately 65% including the so-called Orange Area. Further expansion would likely trigger large-scale displacement, exacerbate overcrowding, and significantly constrain humanitarian access and UNRWA operations. Between October 2023 and June 2026, UNRWA's social work team provided services to 272,151 displaced persons, including psychological first aid; services for 4,161 survivors of gender-based violence; and support for 7,340 children including 3,337 unaccompanied children. Important for researchers studying Israel's continued territorial expansion within Gaza during the ceasefire, as the expansion of military control to 65-70% of the Strip represents a significant development with major implications for Palestinian return and reconstruction.
