Israel Cuts Off Rafah City from Gaza with New Security Corridor

The corridor, introduced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, is named the “Morag Corridor.” It aims to sever the southern city of Rafah, which is currently under evacuation orders, from the rest of Gaza. The corridor is named after a former Israeli settlement located between Rafah and Khan Younis.

The Israeli military confirmed the deployment of forces from the 36th Division to the corridor, though specifics regarding troop numbers and exact location remain undisclosed. Israeli media have published maps showing the corridor running east to west across Gaza.

Netanyahu described the new corridor as a “second Philadelphi Corridor,” referencing the Gaza-Egypt border zone under Israeli control since May 2023. This new corridor joins the Netzarim Corridor, which separates northern Gaza, including Gaza City, from the rest of the territory.

“We are dividing the strip and increasing pressure step by step, so that they return our hostages,” Netanyahu stated. His defense minister has indicated plans to expand Israel’s security zones within Gaza.

The move comes as Israel escalates its military operations following the collapse of a ceasefire in January. The renewed offensive began last month after Hamas reportedly rejected new ceasefire terms. Hundreds of Palestinians have been killed since the airstrikes resumed.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump will meet with Netanyahu on Monday to discuss the situation in Gaza, including tariffs and potential truce negotiations. Despite U.S. support for Israel’s military actions, there are ongoing international efforts, led by Egypt and Qatar, to broker a ceasefire.

Israel has vowed to continue its offensive until Hamas returns all hostages, disarms, and exits Gaza. The Israeli government also cut off food, fuel, and aid supplies to Gaza last month, drawing widespread condemnation from human rights groups.

Hamas demands the release of Palestinian prisoners, a permanent ceasefire, and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in exchange for freeing the remaining 59 hostages. The group has rejected calls to disarm or leave Gaza.

The conflict began after Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 others. Over 50,000 Palestinians have been killed in the ongoing war, with Israel claiming to have killed around 20,000 militants, though evidence for the latter figure has not been provided.

As the war continues, much of Gaza lies in ruins, and many residents have been displaced multiple times. Among the recent casualties were 15 Palestinian medics killed by Israeli forces last month.

Families of hostages continue to demand a ceasefire and the safe return of their loved ones, with some expressing frustration at Israel’s handling of the situation.