Israel intensifies operation in Gaza Strip and forms new security zone
Illustrative photo: Israeli military intensifies Hamas destruction in Gaza Strip (Getty Images)
The Israel Defense Forces are expanding their presence in the southern Gaza Strip and creating a new security zone between the city of Rafah and the border with Egypt, according to Bloomberg.
The military has recently begun expanding the so-called Morag Corridor. The new route covers the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip and connects it to the Philadelphi Corridor, which runs along the border with Egypt.
The entire area between these two directions is now considered part of Israel's security zone.
IDF spokesperson Avichai Adrei noted that the military currently controls approximately one-third of the Gaza Strip, using the occupied areas as a "defensive security zone." The expansion of ground operations will occur according to the operational situation.
According to him, Israeli forces plan to destroy Hamas infrastructure both above and below ground.
Source: Militarnyi (militarnyi.com)
Israel-Hamas war
In January 2025, Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas agreed to a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange. According to Israeli estimates, Palestinian militants are still holding 59 hostages, with fewer than 25 believed to be alive.
However, on March 2, after the conclusion of a six-week truce, active fighting resumed in the enclave.
Specifically, the IDF began a ground operation near the city of Rafah to expand the security zone.
The escalation of hostilities, coupled with statements from Israeli officials, has fueled speculation about the potential for a full-scale occupation of the Gaza Strip.
Israel continues to apply pressure to secure the release of all hostages and to demilitarize Hamas.
A representative of the group, Mahmoud Mardawi, told Bloomberg that Hamas has no intention of laying down its weapons and will not consider this issue as part of any negotiations. He stated that the group is preparing a response to Israel's proposal, which will be conveyed to international mediators.
On April 15, Hamas rejected a new Israeli proposal, as it included a demand for militants to leave the enclave. The terrorists' demand is for the IDF's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, along with the resumption of the hostage exchange process.
Negotiations for a new ceasefire agreement, involving the US, Qatar, and Egypt, are ongoing.
