Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Wednesday that Israel is creating a new security corridor across Gaza, amid ongoing military operations. This announcement comes as Israel plans to expand its control over significant areas of Palestinian territory. Recent airstrikes have reportedly resulted in over 40 deaths, according to Palestinian health officials.
Netanyahu referred to the corridor as the Morag corridor, named after a Jewish settlement that used to exist between the southern cities of Rafah and Khan Younis. The Israeli government has stated that it will intensify its military actions against Hamas until the militant group returns hostages, disarms, and withdraws from the area. Israel ended a ceasefire in March and has since halted all imports of food, fuel, and humanitarian aid to Gaza for a month.
In his statement, Netanyahu emphasized the need for pressure on Hamas to release the hostages. "We are increasing the pressure step by step, so that they will give us our hostages," he said. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz added that the military’s focus is now on seizing large areas to enhance security zones, although he did not provide further details. Israel already maintains a buffer zone along the Gaza border and has ordered the complete evacuation of Rafah.
The situation in Gaza remains dire. An Israeli airstrike recently hit a U.N. building in the Jabaliya refugee camp, resulting in 15 deaths, including nine children. The building had been converted into a shelter for displaced individuals, housing over 700 people at the time. A spokesperson for the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees noted that many people choose to stay in such shelters because they have nowhere else to go.
According to U.N. reports, more than 60% of Gaza is now considered a “no-go” zone due to Israeli evacuation orders. Many residents are living in makeshift tent camps or the ruins of their homes. The Israeli Defense Minister has urged Gaza residents to expel Hamas and return the hostages, stating that this is the only way to end the conflict.
Netanyahu has indicated that Israel intends to maintain control over Gaza after the war and has mentioned a plan to resettle much of the population through what he calls “voluntary emigration.” This proposal has faced strong opposition from Palestinians, who view it as a forced expulsion from their homeland, especially as the conflict has rendered much of Gaza uninhabitable.
Hamas has stated it will only release the remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a ceasefire, and an Israeli withdrawal. The group has rejected demands to disarm or leave the territory.
The resumption of hostilities has sparked protests in Israel, with many citizens concerned that military actions could jeopardize the safety of the hostages. The Hostage Families Forum, representing the families of captives, expressed horror at the announcement of expanded military operations, urging the U.S. administration to intervene for the safe return of all hostages.
As the conflict escalates, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. The war, which began with a Hamas attack on October 7, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. Israeli airstrikes have reportedly killed over 50,000 Palestinians, while Israel claims to have killed around 20,000 militants. The ongoing violence has left vast areas of Gaza in ruins and displaced a significant portion of its population.