Netanyahu Announces “Gears Switching” in gaza

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared a change in the Israeli militaryS approach within Gaza. According to Netanyahu, the IDF is now actively seizing territory and dismantling infrastructure. This strategic shift, as described by observers, could signal a move towards establishing a more entrenched, long-term Israeli presence in the region.

This escalation occurs against a backdrop of stalled ceasefire negotiations and increasing humanitarian concerns. The stated goal is to intensify pressure on Hamas to accept revised ceasefire terms and release hostages.

Last night in the Gaza Strip, we switched gears. the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) is seizing territory, striking the terrorists and destroying the infrastructure,
Benjamin Netanyahu, prime Minister of Israel

Escalating Campaign and Casualties

Israel has indicated its intention to intensify its military campaign against Hamas until the group agrees to revised ceasefire conditions. The defense minister has pledged to seize “large areas” of the Gaza Strip.this escalation has involved a significant increase in aerial bombardments. Recent reports from Gaza’s health ministry indicate a surge in casualties, with at least 100 lives lost within a 24-hour period, bringing the total death toll to 1,163 since renewed military operations began on March 18.

Territorial Control and Strategic Corridors

While the full extent of Israel’s territorial ambitions remains unclear, Netanyahu has suggested that Israeli forces intend to gain control over additional key areas.

We are now dividing the strip and increasing the pressure step by step, so that they will give us our hostages. And as long as they do not give them to us, the pressure will increase until they do.
Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel

Specifically, Netanyahu mentioned the seizure of the Morag Corridor, describing it as “an additional Philadelphi Corridor.” The original Philadelphi Corridor, an 8.7-mile strip along the egyptian border, is already under Israeli control and has become a contentious point in ceasefire discussions.

We are also doing something else: We are seizing the Morag Corridor. this will be the second Philadelphi, an additional Philadelphi Corridor,
Benjamin Netanyahu, prime Minister of Israel

The Morag Corridor, historically a route connecting Gaza’s Sufa crossing to the former settlement of Morag, could possibly serve as a dividing line between Khan Younis and Rafah if secured by Israeli forces.

Expanding Buffer Zones and Security Concerns

Even prior to the current escalation, Israel had reportedly expanded its control over a buffer zone along Gaza’s perimeter. According to Gisha, an israeli human rights institution, this zone encompasses approximately 52 square kilometers, representing 17% of Gaza’s total area.

This strategy mirrors the establishment of a “buffer zone” in northern Gaza, where Israeli forces cleared Hamas strongholds to create a security perimeter near Israeli border communities. The potential extension of a similar zone in southern Gaza, coupled with the evacuation of Rafah’s population, could further exert pressure on Hamas while bolstering the security of Israeli communities.

Dividing Gaza for control

Some analysts suggest that the seizure of the Morag corridor could be the initial step in dividing gaza into three distinct sections, allowing for greater Israeli control over movement and access.

It means Israel or the IDF is going through a very clear process to keep areas under closed control by military forces that prevent movement from area to area,
Maj. Gen. (res.) Eitan Dangot, former Coordinator of Government Activities in the Palestinian Territories (COGAT)

This division would grant Israel greater oversight of traffic and humanitarian aid entering Gaza.

There will be full control of traffic that will be allowed to enter and to cross. That means if the time comes that Israel will allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, the control of the convoys will be under more close control,
maj. Gen.(res.) eitan Dangot, former Coordinator of government Activities in the Palestinian Territories (COGAT)

Political Motivations and the Resettlement Issue

The focus on the Morag corridor may also carry political significance, potentially aimed at appeasing right-wing factions within the Israeli government who advocate for the re-establishment of settlements in Gaza.

Focusing on the Morag corridor is also “a kind of a political decision in order to give the right-wing extremists in the government, a kind of hope that maybe we will be back in some areas (settlements) as before. When you say ‘Morag’ out loud, it means going back to the disengagement of Gush Katif,
Maj. Gen. (res.) Eitan Dangot,former Coordinator of Government Activities in the Palestinian Territories (COGAT)

The mention of “morag” evokes memories of Gush Katif,a bloc of Israeli settlements dismantled during Israel’s disengagement from Gaza in 2005.Since october 7,some Israeli settlers have expressed a desire to return to Gush Katif and resettle Gaza, a movement supported by right-wing politicians.

Stalled Ceasefire and Renewed Violence

The fragile ceasefire in Gaza collapsed on March 18, leading to renewed Israeli strikes and a pledge from Netanyahu to use “increasing military strength” against Hamas until all hostages are released.

recent violence includes an Israeli military strike on the Dar al-Arqam School in Gaza city, which was housing displaced Palestinians. According to the gaza Civil Defense, at least 31 peopel were killed and dozens injured in the attack. The Israeli military claims the target was a Hamas “command and control center” used to plan attacks against Israeli civilians and troops, but did not confirm or deny it was the same location.

Hostage Negotiations and Humanitarian Crisis

Hostage negotiations have reached an impasse, with Hamas rejecting Israel’s latest proposal for a temporary ceasefire. It is believed that 24 living hostages remain in Gaza, along with the bodies of 35 deceased hostages.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with widespread hunger and desperation exacerbated by the ongoing conflict. A recent incident involved a large crowd forcibly entering a United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) warehouse and looting flour intended for humanitarian distribution.

Hunger and desperation are spreading as food and relief assistance are being weaponized,
Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General

Background to the Conflict

The current conflict began on October 7, 2023, following a surprise attack by Hamas on southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the capture of 251 hostages, according to Israeli authorities.

Since then, the war has resulted in the deaths of over 50,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the territory’s health ministry.

Escalation of Military Operations

In recent weeks, Israel has expanded its military presence in Gaza, aiming to dismantle Hamas infrastructure and increase pressure on the group to release hostages. this strategy includes seizing key territories and establishing buffer zones along the Gaza-Egypt border.The Morag Corridor, a strategic area connecting Gaza’s Sufa crossing to the former settlement of Morag, has been identified as a focal point for these operations. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-expands-military-operation-gaza-defense-minister-says-2025-04-02/?utm_source=openai))

The Israeli Defense forces (IDF) have reported significant advancements, including the encirclement of parts of southern Gaza and the discovery of rocket launchers. These actions have led to increased civilian casualties, with reports indicating at least 100 deaths within a 24-hour period, bringing the total death toll to over 1,160 since the escalation began on March 18. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/76c88384839a9ac71c87f0045278c385?utm_source=openai))

humanitarian Crisis and Civilian Impact

The intensified military operations have exacerbated the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has reported widespread hunger and desperation among the population, with incidents of looting of humanitarian aid warehouses. Philippe lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General, stated, “Hunger and desperation are spreading as food and relief assistance are being weaponized.” ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/76c88384839a9ac71c87f0045278c385?utm_source=openai))

Additionally, the destruction of critical infrastructure, including hospitals and schools, has severely limited access to essential services. The Gaza Health Ministry has reported over 50,000 deaths since the conflict’s escalation, with a significant portion being women and children. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/76c88384839a9ac71c87f0045278c385?utm_source=openai))

Geopolitical Implications and Future Trends

Israel’s strategic shift in Gaza raises several key questions about the future of the region:

• Permanent military Presence: The establishment of buffer zones and control over strategic corridors suggests a potential long-term Israeli military presence in Gaza. This could alter the region’s political dynamics and impact future peace negotiations.
• Impact on Ceasefire Negotiations: The expansion of military operations has stalled ceasefire talks, with Hamas rejecting Israel’s latest proposal for a temporary ceasefire. The introduction of new demands, such as control over the Philadelphi Corridor, has intricate negotiations. ([newyorker.com](https://www.newyorker.com/news/q-and-a/the-latest-poison-pill-in-the-israel-hamas-ceasefire-negotiations?utm_source=openai))
• International Response: the international community faces challenges in addressing the humanitarian crisis and mediating between Israel and Hamas. Efforts by countries like Egypt and Qatar to broker ceasefire agreements have yet to yield significant results. ([bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-68956549?utm_source=openai))

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Morag Corridor?

The Morag Corridor is a strategic area in southern Gaza, connecting the Sufa crossing to the former settlement of Morag.Israel aims to control this corridor to establish a buffer zone along the Gaza-Egypt border. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-expands-military-operation-gaza-defence-minister-says-2025-04-02/?utm_source=openai))

How has the international community responded to the conflict?

International efforts, particularly by Egypt and Qatar, have focused on mediating ceasefire agreements and addressing the humanitarian crisis. However, these efforts have faced challenges due to the complexities of the conflict and the introduction of new demands by Israel. ([bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-68956549?utm_source=openai))

what are the potential long-term implications of Israel’s military operations?

The establishment of buffer zones and control over strategic corridors suggests a potential long-term Israeli military presence in gaza, which could alter the region’s political dynamics and impact future peace negotiations. ([newyorker.com](https://www.newyorker.com/news/q-and-a/the-latest-poison-pill-in-the-israel-hamas-ceasefire-negotiations?utm_source=openai))

Interactive Element: Did You No?

The Morag Corridor, a focal point in Israel’s current military operations, was once home to the morag settlement, which was evacuated and dismantled during Israel’s disengagement from Gaza in 2005.

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