Israeli troops have deployed to a newly established security corridor across southern Gaza, amid increased pressure on the Hamas militant group. The move comes weeks into the renewed war, which has already resulted in hundreds of Palestinian deaths and widespread destruction.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the new Morag Corridor, which would cut off the southern city of Rafah from the rest of Gaza. The corridor is seen as a second Philadelphi corridor, running along the narrow coastal strip from east to west.
The deployment follows a surprise bombardment by Israel last month, which shattered a ceasefire in Gaza and killed hundreds of Palestinians. Israel has reasserted control over the Netzarim corridor, cutting off the northern third of Gaza from the rest of the territory.
Netanyahu has said that Israel will seize large areas of Gaza until Hamas releases its hostages, taken during an October 7 attack on southern Israel. The group has rejected demands to disarm and leave the territory in exchange for the release of more Palestinian prisoners and a lasting ceasefire.
Gaza relies heavily on humanitarian aid, but Israel has halted all supplies to put pressure on Hamas. Rights groups have criticized this tactic as a war crime. The conflict has left over 2 million Palestinians displaced and killed an estimated 50,000 people, mostly women and children.
Families of hostages are calling for a ceasefire deal to bring everyone home from Gaza alive or dead. Netanyahu’s actions have been criticized by many, with some accusing him of working against the release of hostages rather than saving their lives.
Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/05/israeli-troops-deploy-to-a-new-security-corridor-across-southern-gaza-00274411