The IDF announced that as of today the Morag Corridor in the southern Gaza Strip is completely under its control, and that the army has effectively cut off the city of Rafah from Khan Yunis. Rafah is now completely surrounded with the 36th Division controlling the Morag Corridor and the Gaza Division operating in the Philadelphi Corridor on the Egypt-Gaza border. The military announced that it will now expand its operations inside Rafah to areas where it has yet to eliminate the remaining Hamas terrorist cells. The IDF issued evacuation warnings for civilians in Rafah nearly two weeks ago.
The ultimate goal is to create a buffer zone stretching from the Egyptian border to the outskirts of Khan Yunis, which will include the entire city of Rafah, covering an area of approximately 20 per cent of the Strip.
Cairo Talks
Top Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have said the goal of the ongoing military action is to pressure Hamas into releasing the 58 hostages still held in Gaza.
Hamas responded by claiming that the assault not only kills innocent civilians but also jeopardizes the lives of the hostages held by Israel. Meanwhile, the Israeli military instructed residents of Khan Yunis and nearby areas to evacuate after intercepting three projectiles fired from southern Gaza earlier that day.
“IDF troops are operating with significant force in the area, and will strike with intensity on any location from which rockets are launched,” the military said on X.
The Times of Israel reported that Egypt suggested a deal where eight living hostages and eight bodies would be exchanged for a truce lasting 40 to 70 days and a large release of Palestinian prisoners. US President Donald Trump mentioned in a cabinet meeting this week that the release of the hostages in Gaza is nearly happening. Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, also said in an Israeli media report that a very serious deal is close and it could happen in a matter of days.
