Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced the creation of a new military corridor, dubbed the “Morag Corridor”, across southern Gaza. The corridor is intended to divide the Strip between Rafah and Khan Younis, and is part of Israel’s efforts to pressure Hamas into returning hostages and disarming.
Netanyahu stated that Israel is increasing pressure on Hamas “step by step” until they comply with their demands. The announcement comes after Israel’s defense minister said the country would seize large areas of Gaza and add them to its security zones.
Recent Israeli strikes have resulted in the deaths of over 40 Palestinians, with nearly more than half being women and children. Israel has vowed to escalate the conflict until Hamas meets its demands. The country unilaterally ended a ceasefire in March and has imposed a halt on imports of food, fuel, and humanitarian aid for civilians in the Gaza Strip, further worsening the humanitarian crisis.