Israel Completes Security Corridor, Isolates Rafah City/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Israel has finalized construction of the Morag corridor, cutting off Rafah from the rest of Gaza. The move further fragments the Palestinian territory, as airstrikes intensify and humanitarian conditions deteriorate. Rights groups warn of war crimes, while Israel says the pressure aims to free remaining hostages.
Israel Cuts Off Rafah With Morag Corridor: Quick Looks
- Israeli forces complete the Morag corridor, effectively isolating Rafah from Gaza.
- The corridor encircles Rafah, restricting movement and access for over 1 million Palestinians.
- Israel says the move is strategic, part of efforts to pressure Hamas into releasing 59 hostages.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu called the project “a second Philadelphi corridor.”
- More than 50% of Gaza now controlled by Israeli forces through buffer zones and military corridors.
- Gaza faces crippling shortages as Israel continues its blockade on aid, fuel, and food.
- Israel’s Defense Minister warns of expanded operations, urges Palestinians to “remove Hamas.”
- Proposed “voluntary emigration” plan backed by Trump and Netanyahu draws sharp condemnation.
- Human Rights Watch says the relocation plan could constitute ethnic cleansing.
- Airstrikes continue across Gaza, killing at least 21 people in 24 hours, per Gaza’s health ministry.
- The war began on Oct. 7, 2023, after Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people.
- Palestinian death toll now tops 50,000, according to Gaza health officials.
Israel Completes Security Corridor, Isolates Rafah City
Deep Look
TEL AVIV, Israel — The Israeli military announced Saturday it has completed the construction of the Morag corridor, a newly fortified route that now severs the southern Gaza city of Rafah from the rest of the besieged enclave. The move marks a significant tactical step in Israel’s ongoing war against Hamas and escalates the humanitarian crisis faced by millions of Palestinians.
“The encirclement of Rafah is complete,” declared the Israel Defense Forces in a statement.
The corridor, named after a former Israeli settlement, now stands between Rafah and Khan Younis. Its completion came days after Israel ordered large-scale evacuations across Rafah, indicating that a new ground offensive may be imminent.
The move is part of a broader Israeli strategy to exert full military control over the Gaza Strip. With the Morag and Netzarim corridors and an expanding buffer zone along the periphery, Israel now controls more than 50% of the Gaza Strip, analysts say.
Hostage Leverage and Blockade Tactics
Israel insists the tightening grip on southern Gaza is meant to pressure Hamas to release 59 remaining hostages, of whom 24 are believed to be alive. But the tactic includes a controversial monthlong blockade of humanitarian aid, food, and fuel.
Rights groups say such blockades may constitute war crimes due to their indiscriminate impact on civilians.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to Morag as a second Philadelphi corridor, referencing the Israeli-controlled stretch along the Egypt-Gaza border.
Expansion of Military Operations Expected
Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Saturday that military operations would “vigorously” expand into other regions of Gaza, while urging Palestinians to reject Hamas rule.
“Hamas leaders are hiding in tunnels or living in luxury abroad. They are using you as human shields,” Katz said in a public address.
He reiterated support for a Trump-Netanyahu initiative that encourages “voluntary relocation” of Palestinians from Gaza to third countries — a plan many Palestinian leaders call a thinly veiled expulsion.
Human Rights Watch has condemned the proposal, calling it “ethnic cleansing in disguise.”
Heavy Casualties Amid Intensified Bombings
As the corridors tighten around Palestinian civilians, Israeli airstrikes continued across the territory. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry:
- At least 21 people were killed in the last 24 hours, though the ministry does not distinguish between civilians and fighters.
- 1,500 people have died since the last ceasefire collapsed in March.
Ceasefire Hopes Fade as Death Toll Climbs
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched a surprise attack in southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and abducting others. Israel’s military response has led to a prolonged and devastating conflict, now in its seventh month.
Israel claims it has killed 20,000 Hamas fighters, though has provided limited public evidence.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with aid organizations struggling to access the enclave and Palestinians trapped with limited food, medical supplies, and shelter.
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