A map showing the new Morag Corridor on the opposite end of the Philadelphi corridor (IDF graph - @JSchanzer/X)
The Morag Corridor (second red line on left) seals in Rafah (Source: @JSchanzer/X)

Israel Unveils Morag Corridor to Isolate Rafah, Pressure Hamas

Details
The Judean Staff
National

In a bold and strategic escalation of its military campaign in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the creation of a new military-controlled zone dubbed the “Morag Corridor,” a decisive move designed to sever the Hamas stronghold of Rafah from the rest of the coastal enclave.

The corridor, constructed with the precision and force of the IDF’s elite 36th Armored Division, is now operational across southern Gaza, reportedly spanning the width of the strip from east to west. Its establishment marks a significant milestone in Israel’s goal of dismantling Hamas' terror infrastructure and pressuring the terror group into surrendering the remaining Israeli hostages held since the October 7 massacre.

“We are cutting Gaza into isolated segments,” Netanyahu declared on Wednesday. “Step by step, we are turning up the pressure until Hamas has no choice but to return our hostages.”

This latest move comes ahead of Netanyahu’s scheduled meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington next week, signaling a possible diplomatic and operational alignment between two strong allies in the war on terror.

Strategic Chokehold on Rafah

The Morag Corridor is named after a former Israeli settlement located between Khan Younis and Rafah—an area now playing a pivotal role in Israel’s effort to fracture Hamas' territorial control. Israeli military sources suggest the corridor aims to completely isolate Rafah from the rest of Gaza, cutting off Hamas’ escape and resupply routes as tens of thousands of residents were previously ordered to evacuate.

Accompanying this initiative is the continued enforcement of the Netzarim Corridor in northern Gaza, another Israeli-established axis of control, first deployed following Israel’s surprise resumption of hostilities after Hamas violated the previous ceasefire terms. That operation saw hundreds of Hamas operatives, including senior field commanders, eliminated in precision airstrikes.

Tightening the Grip: Total Siege

Israel has made it clear: there will be no return to the status quo. In addition to these security corridors, Israel has intensified its siege, halting all shipments of food, fuel, and humanitarian aid into Gaza—a pressure tactic designed to erode Hamas’ endurance and hasten the release of the remaining 59 hostages, 24 of whom are believed to be alive.

Hamas, meanwhile, is refusing all Israeli demands, insisting it will only trade hostages for a permanent ceasefire, the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners, and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza—terms that Israeli leadership flatly rejects.

October 7: The Catalyst for War

This conflict erupted after Hamas launched an unprovoked, genocidal assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, massacring 1,200 Israelis, most of them civilians, and kidnapping 251 hostages—including children, elderly women, and foreign nationals. While most have since been freed through hostage deals, the remaining captives remain a haunting symbol of Hamas’ cruelty.

Casualty Claims Under Scrutiny

Hamas-run Gaza health authorities claim that over 50,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict. However, serious doubts have emerged regarding the credibility of those numbers. Recent revisions to the casualty list have seen a significant reduction in the reported number of women and children, with many added names identified as military-age men, some of whom are on known militant rosters tied to Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

Incident Involving Hamas-Linked “Medics” Under Investigation

One controversial recent incident involved the death of 15 individuals labeled by Hamas as medics. Initial reports suggested an Israeli strike mistakenly targeted humanitarian vehicles. However, phone footage obtained from the scene presents a more complicated picture. While the convoy was marked with emergency lights, further investigation by the IDF has uncovered ties between several of the deceased and Hamas military units.

An IDF source revealed that troops believed they were engaging a convoy transporting Hamas militants, including Mohammed Amin Shobaki, a known terrorist commander. While his body has yet to be conclusively identified, Israel maintains the strike was based on real-time intelligence and that the matter is still under in-depth review.

The Israeli military acknowledged discrepancies in its initial description of the event and affirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability. “This is under thorough examination,” a spokesperson said. “But what remains unchanged is the fact that Hamas has long used humanitarian organizations and convoys as cover for their operations.”

The Bottom Line

With the Morag Corridor now in place, Israel has taken a crucial step toward dismembering Hamas’ command structure and ending the group’s stranglehold over Gaza. As the IDF continues its offensive with surgical precision and relentless determination, the message to Hamas is clear:

Release the hostages. Lay down your arms. Or face complete and total dismantlement.

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