Israel Establishes New Security Corridor in Gaza
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Wednesday that Israel is creating a new security corridor within the Gaza Strip to intensify pressure on Hamas. This corridor is expected to disconnect the southern city of Rafah, which Israel has instructed to evacuate, from the remainder of Palestinian territories.
This development follows statements from Netanyahu’s defense minister about Israel’s plans to claim large portions of Gaza, integrating them into its established security zones. Additionally, a series of Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of over 40 Palestinians, including numerous women and children, as reported by Palestinian health officials.
Israel has declared its intention to intensify the nearly 18-month-long conflict with Hamas until the militant group returns numerous hostages, relinquishes its armaments, and vacates the territory. Israel concluded a ceasefire in March and has enforced a month-long ban on food, fuel, and humanitarian aid imports.
Netanyahu referred to this new corridor as the Morag corridor, named after a Jewish settlement that once existed between Rafah and Khan Younis, indicating it would connect these two southern cities. He likened it to a “second Philadelphi corridor,” referencing the part of the border with Egypt managed by Israel since last May.
In addition, Israeli control of the Netzarim corridor has been reinforced, a route that separates northern Gaza, including Gaza City, from the rest of the coastal enclave. Both established corridors stretch from the Israeli border to the Mediterranean Sea.
“We are fragmenting the strip and ratcheting up the pressure gradually, compelling them to return our hostages,” Netanyahu stated.
