Israel’s military announced on Wednesday that it has expanded the ‘Morag Corridor,’ a new dividing line in the southern Gaza Strip, effectively bringing roughly a third of the enclave under full Israeli military control. An infographic video released by the military showcased the ‘Morag Corridor’ stretching between Rafah and Khan Younis, severing connections between Rafah, Khan Younis, and central Gaza.
In the video, Khan Younis, the largest city in southern Gaza, appeared extensively damaged, with only a few severely damaged buildings remaining. “As part of the operation, the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) has achieved full operational control over several key areas and routes throughout Gaza. Approximately 30 percent of the strip’s territory is now designated as an Operational Security Perimeter,” the military stated.
Israel has also established the ‘Netzarim Corridor,’ a military buffer zone in central Gaza aimed at isolating Gaza City and northern Gaza from the rest of the enclave.
Since March 2, Israel has blocked the entry of all humanitarian aid into Gaza. The two-month ceasefire with Hamas ended on March 18, followed by renewed air and ground assaults on the enclave. According to Gaza health authorities on Wednesday, the renewed Israeli attacks have so far resulted in 1,652 Palestinian deaths and 4,391 injuries. They added that since the war began in October 2023, the death toll in the enclave has risen to 51,025, with 116,432 injured.
Amid the escalating conflict, ceasefire talks continue. On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed negotiators to “continue the steps” for the release of hostages still held in Gaza, according to a statement from his office. “The prime minister issued an instruction for the continuation of the steps to advance the release of our hostages,” the statement read.
The announcement followed an assessment meeting with the negotiating team and security officials regarding the 59 hostages still held in Gaza. Despite ongoing discussions, no progress has been made in the ceasefire talks so far.
Hamas has reiterated that calls for it to disarm are a red line it will not cross, insisting that Israeli troops must withdraw from Gaza under any permanent ceasefire. “Any truce lacking real guarantees for halting the war, achieving full withdrawal, lifting the blockade, and beginning reconstruction will be a political trap,” Hamas said in a statement on Wednesday.
