Sat Apr 12 17:54:53 UTC 2025: ## Israel Completes Gaza Corridor, Threatens Expanded Offensive

**GAZA CITY** – Israel announced the completion of the Morag Corridor, a strategic infrastructure project designed to isolate Rafah from the rest of Gaza, escalating its offensive against the besieged territory. The move, coupled with expanding attacks in southern Gaza and the issuance of forced displacement orders for several Khan Younis neighborhoods, signals a significant intensification of the conflict.

The Israeli military issued evacuation orders for residents of multiple neighborhoods, warning of an impending large-scale attack in response to alleged Hamas rocket fire. At least two people were killed in the preceding drone strikes and artillery shelling.

Defense Minister Israel Katz declared Rafah an “Israeli security zone” and vowed to expand the Netzarim Corridor, further dividing Gaza. He offered Palestinians a stark ultimatum: overthrow Hamas, release Israeli hostages, and end the fighting, or face an expansion of Israeli operations to encompass “most of Gaza’s territory.” Katz also referenced a plan to remove Palestinians from Gaza, echoing previous statements by US President Trump.

Hamas accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of prolonging the war, arguing that the release of captives should be exchanged for a ceasefire, a proposition they claim enjoys international support but is being rejected by Netanyahu. The group blames Netanyahu’s political ambitions for the escalating violence.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with approximately 2.1 million Palestinians confined to a third of the territory, facing severe shortages of essential supplies due to a blockade imposed last month. Experts suggest that the creation of corridors like Morag, Netzarim, and Philadelphi is part of a long-term Israeli strategy to control Gaza’s access and movement. The corridors, named after former Israeli settlements, were strategically placed to sever Gaza’s urban areas and allow for greater Israeli control.

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