Israel says one-third of Gaza now under its military control
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Image : Al Jazeera
Jerusalem: The Israeli military has expanded its control over Gaza, announcing that approximately one-third of the enclave is now designated as "security zones" under full Israeli military control. The military has focused on the "Morag Corridor," a new dividing line running through the southern Gaza Strip between Rafah and Khan Younis. This move has effectively separated Rafah from Khan Younis and central Gaza.
A video released by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) shows Khan Younis, the largest city in southern Gaza, nearly destroyed, with only a few heavily damaged buildings remaining. According to the IDF, the operation has allowed them to gain full control over several key areas and routes throughout Gaza. As a result, 30% of the territory is now designated as an Operational Security Perimeter.
In addition to the "Morag Corridor," Israel has established the "Netzarim Corridor," a military buffer zone in central Gaza. This zone is intended to isolate Gaza City and northern Gaza from the rest of the region. Israel has also blocked all humanitarian aid from entering Gaza since March 2, and after ending a two-month ceasefire with Hamas on March 18, it resumed air and ground assaults.
Since then, the IDF has carried out airstrikes on approximately 1,200 targets in Gaza, utilizing nearly 350 fighter jets and other aircraft. These strikes have killed 1,652 Palestinians and injured 4,391, according to Gaza health authorities. The death toll in Gaza since the war began in October 2023 has reached 51,025, with 116,432 others injured.
Israel controls all aid and supply entry into Gaza, and on April 28, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) will begin hearings on Israel’s humanitarian obligations toward Palestinians. The UN General Assembly passed a resolution in December requesting the ICJ provide an advisory opinion on the matter, urging the court to clarify Israel's responsibility in facilitating the provision of essential supplies to the Palestinian civilian population.
With PTI inputs
