Israel Completes Morag Corridor, Isolating Rafah; Issues New Evacuation Orders Amid Intensified Gaza Military Operations

On April 12, 2025, the Israeli military completed the Morag Corridor, isolating Rafah from the rest of Gaza. This move escalates Israel's military campaign following the March 18 ceasefire collapse with Hamas. Israel issued new evacuation orders in southern Gaza, including Khan Younis, and conducted drone and artillery strikes, causing civilian casualties. The blockade on humanitarian aid continues, worsening the crisis for Gaza's 2.1 million residents. Israel aims to dismantle Hamas and secure the release of hostages, while international organizations criticize the actions as potential war crimes.

Morag Corridor Completed, Rafah Encircled

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Saturday that they had completed the construction of the Morag Corridor, a strategic route that now cuts across Gaza between Rafah and Khan Younis. The corridor, named after a former Israeli settlement in the area, effectively isolates Rafah from the rest of the enclave. According to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, the area between the Philadelphi Route—along the Egyptian border—and Morag is now part of what he called an “Israeli security zone” Israel cuts off Rafah, issues new forced displacement orders for Gaza.

Katz stated that the corridor would serve as a second Philadelphi Corridor, referencing the buffer zone Israel has controlled along the Egypt-Gaza border since May 2024. He also announced plans to expand the Netzarim Corridor, which already divides Gaza’s northern third from the rest of the territory. These corridors, according to analysts, are designed to fragment Gaza and allow Israel to exert control over movement and access within the Strip.

New Displacement Orders and Warnings of Expanded Operations

Following the corridor’s completion, the Israeli military issued new forced evacuation orders for several neighborhoods in Khan Younis, including Qizan an-Najjar, Qizan Abu Rashwan, al-Salam, al-Manara, al-Qurain, Maen, al-Batn al-Sameen, Jurt al-Lot, al-Fakhari, and parts of Bani Suheila. Residents were instructed to flee to al-Mawasi, a coastal area previously designated by Israel as a “safe zone” Israel cuts off Rafah, issues new forced displacement orders for Gaza.

The IDF warned of an imminent attack “with great force” in these areas, citing alleged rocket fire from Hamas. Defense Minister Katz issued a stark ultimatum to Gaza’s population: “Topple Hamas and deliver the Israeli captives… that’s the only way to end the war.” He added that military operations would soon expand to “most of Gaza’s territory” Israel takes over key Gaza corridor, calls on residents to evacuate.

Civilian Casualties Mount Amid Drone and Artillery Strikes

As the military campaign escalated, Israeli drone and artillery strikes targeted multiple areas in Khan Younis and beyond. At least one person was killed in a drone strike in Qizan an-Najjar, south of Khan Younis. Additional casualties were reported in the al-Mawasi area, where air raids struck tent shelters housing displaced civilians. A newborn named Sham died from injuries sustained in one of the attacks, according to medical staff at Al-Ahli Hospital in Deir el-Balah At least 500 Gaza children killed since Israel broke truce – Official.

In the past 24 hours alone, the Gaza Health Ministry reported at least 21 deaths from Israeli attacks, bringing the total number of Palestinians killed since the ceasefire ended on March 18 to 1,563. Among the dead are hundreds of children, according to rescue workers At least 500 Gaza children killed since Israel broke truce – Official.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

The completion of the Morag Corridor and the expansion of Israeli-controlled zones have further restricted the movement of Gaza’s 2.1 million residents, who are now confined to roughly one-third of the territory. No aid trucks carrying food, fuel, or medical supplies have entered Gaza since Israel reimposed a blockade last month. Aid organizations have warned of catastrophic shortages, while Israel maintains that sufficient supplies entered during the previous two-month ceasefire—a claim disputed by humanitarian groups Israel cuts off Gaza’s southern city of Rafah and vows to ‘vigorously’ expand in the territory.

Many Palestinians have been displaced multiple times, now living in overcrowded tent camps or the rubble of destroyed homes. The United Nations has raised concerns about the “forcible transfer” of civilians into ever-shrinking areas, warning of the implications for the future viability of Palestinian life in Gaza Israel takes control of key Gaza corridor to expand offensive.

Strategic Objectives and International Reactions

Israel’s stated objective remains the dismantling of Hamas and the release of the remaining 59 hostages, 24 of whom are believed to be alive. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has linked the continuation of military operations to the failure of Hamas to release captives. Hamas, in turn, has accused Netanyahu of prolonging the war for political survival, stating that the “blood of Gaza’s children and the occupation’s prisoners are victims of Netanyahu’s ambitions” Israel cuts off Rafah, issues new forced displacement orders for Gaza.

Meanwhile, international human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have condemned the displacement strategy and blockade, warning that they may constitute war crimes. The Rafah municipality has called Israel’s actions a “flagrant breach of international legitimacy” Israel says new security corridor completed, severing Gaza’s southernmost city.

References

• Israel cuts off Rafah, issues new forced displacement orders for Gaza
• Over 1,560 killed since Israel broke Gaza truce
• Israel cuts off Gaza's southern city of Rafah and vows to 'vigorously' expand in the territory
• Israel takes control of key Gaza corridor, to expand offensive
• Israel cuts off Gaza’s southern city of Rafah and vows to ‘vigorously’ expand in the territory - WTOP News