The Israeli military has officially announced the establishment of a new security corridor across southern Gaza, known as the “Morag Corridor.” This development aims to sever the southern city of Rafah from the rest of the Gaza Strip. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described this strategy during a recent presentation, emphasizing the government’s intention to intensify pressure on Hamas to secure the release of hostages held since early October.
Details of the Morag Corridor
During a press event, Netanyahu confirmed that the newly implemented corridor would facilitate military operations and enhance control in the region. He stated, “we are cutting up the strip, and we are increasing the pressure step by step, so that they will give us our hostages.” The deployment of troops from the 36th Division marks a significant move in Israel’s military strategy, although specifics regarding troop numbers and the exact location of the corridor remain undisclosed.
Maps released by Israeli media depict the corridor stretching from east to west across the narrow coastal strip. Morag, the namesake of the corridor, refers to a Jewish settlement that previously existed between Rafah and Khan Younis. This area has seen increased military activity as Israel works to regain control over the northern Netzarim corridor following a recent escalation in hostilities.
Escalating Hostilities and Humanitarian Impact
Since the conflict’s resurgence, Israel has committed to intensifying its military engagement with Hamas, insisting that the militant group must return the remaining hostages, disarm, and withdraw from Gaza. The situation has led to Israel ceasing all humanitarian aid, food, and fuel supplies to the region, aiming to exert further pressure on Hamas.
In response, Hamas has stated that it will only consider releasing hostages in exchange for the freedom of more Palestinian prisoners, alongside a lasting ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. The ongoing conflict began following a brutal attack by Hamas militants on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities, predominantly among civilians. While negotiations have led to the release of a majority of the 251 hostages taken during the assault, 59 individuals remain in captivity, with 24 believed to be alive.
According to Hamas-run health authorities, the conflict has resulted in over 50,000 Palestinian deaths, a figure that includes both civilians and militants. The veracity of these numbers continues to be a topic of debate amid the ongoing violence.
“Forgive me, mother. This is the path I chose, mother, to help people,” a medic’s last words were captured in a harrowing video as they came under fire while responding to an emergency.
Amid these tragic events, new evidence has surfaced regarding the deaths of 15 Palestinian medics killed last month by Israeli forces. Recent footage contradicts previous Israeli claims regarding the circumstances of their deaths, revealing that the medics were operating with emergency lights activated. The Israeli military initially stated that the medics’ vehicles were deemed suspicious; however, the new evidence has prompted a reassessment of the tragic incident.
The military’s claims of targeting Hamas operatives during this incident have also come under scrutiny, as no evidence has been presented to confirm the presence of militants at the scene. As investigations continue, the Palestinian Red Crescent’s vice president has highlighted the significance of the footage in corroborating the medics’ account. The situation remains tense, with both sides entrenched in their opposing narratives.