‘Shifting Gears’: IDF Creates New Gazan Corridor to Isolate Hamas

Latest Developments

Morag Corridor: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on April 2 that the IDF is establishing a new security corridor across southern Gaza. The “Morag Corridor,” named after a former Israeli community in Gaza, will separate the city of Rafah from Khan Younis to its north. Israel is “shifting gears” in Gaza, according to Netanyahu’s statement, and creating what he called a “second Philadelphi route,” referring to the Gaza Strip’s southern border with Egypt, which has been under Israeli control since May 2024.
IDF Chief’s Message to Hamas: Later the same day, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir reiterated Israel’s call for Hamas to free the remaining 59 Israeli hostages still held in Gaza, warning of continued military action until their release. “The only thing that can stop us from advancing is the release of our hostages,” Zamir said while visiting IDF troops stationed in Rafah.
IDF Preparing for Further Advances: IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said that the Israeli military had struck over 60 terrorist targets in Gaza in recent days in preparation for further ground operations aimed at separating Rafah from the rest of Gaza. He also said that the IDF was continuing its clearing operations in northern Gaza but withheld further details to maintain operational security. “We will not rest until we return the 59 kidnapped men and women,” Defrin vowed.

FDD Expert Response

“Hamas may struggle to operate against the IDF if Rafah and other sections of the southern Gaza Strip are isolated. However, the effectiveness of this strategy depends on what is located within the areas being cut off. If Hamas leadership, hostages, or weapons stockpiles are present, isolation could significantly enhance the IDF’s ability to apply military pressure where it is most needed.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal

“Squeezing Hamas into further isolation is the name of the game with the IDF’s new Morag corridor. By cutting off the terrorist organization from the south, the IDF is shrinking the battlefield indefinitely, allowing more military pressure to be applied to Hamas in a smaller area and forcing the group to either release the 59 remaining Israeli hostages or lose more of its grip on Gaza.” — Seth J. Frantzman, Adjunct Fellow