Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are expanding their operational control across the Gaza Strip, reporting significant progress in central and southern areas as of August 28th, 2025. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump held a meeting at the White House on Wednesday to discuss potential successors to Hamas in Gaza. The IDF stated that forces are expanding the contact line in the southern Gaza Strip between Khan Yunis and Sahalah, fully securing the Sahailla members and closing the southern exit. A new distribution center is being established in West Rafah, and operations continue to clear remaining pockets of resistance. In the Gaza Strip center, exceptional activity was reported south and east of Deir Elbal. The northern strip has seen significant IDF spread throughout Jabalia, with new areas near the city of Gaza being purified. Fighting continues in Zeiton, specifically in the Kido neighborhood, and IDF forces are in a defensive condition in Hijaya and Tapa. Overall, the IDF claims to hold operational control of nearly 70% of the Gaza Strip. Wednesday's White House meeting, which included Tony Blair and Jared Kushner, did not result in clear decisions but highlighted the ongoing uncertainty regarding who would govern Gaza after Hamas, according to sources familiar with the discussions. Separately, Israel's Finance Minister has outlined two scenarios for Gaza's future, both of which reportedly involve annexation and the removal of its civilian population, as reported by observers. The IDF's ongoing operations aim to dismantle Hamas infrastructure and establish security control. The focus in Jabalia involves purifying areas closer to the border with Israel, while efforts in Zeiton are continuing to secure the Kido neighborhood. The IDF's presence in the southern Gaza Strip is marked by the expansion of operational areas and the establishment of logistical centers. The discussions surrounding Gaza's post-Hamas governance remain a central point of contention and planning for international actors and the Israeli government. The scenarios presented by the Finance Minister indicate a potential shift in Israeli policy regarding the territory's future status.
