Netanyahu announces seizure of more territory in Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to seize and divide more land in the Gaza Strip amid Israel’s escalating military offensive. He also boasted about constructing a new security corridor in the besieged enclave.

In a video statement on Wednesday, Netanyahu stated, "Tonight, we have shifted gears in the Gaza Strip. The [Israeli army] is seizing territory, hitting the terrorists, and destroying infrastructure."

He further revealed plans to establish a new corridor known as the ‘Morag Route’, comparing it to the Philadelphi Route, a buffer zone along the Egypt-Gaza border.

"Because we are currently dividing up the Strip, we are increasing pressure step by step so that our hostages will be returned to us," he added.

Read: Israeli bombing of UNRWA clinic in Gaza beheads two-week-old infant, kills 22

Since October 7, the Israeli military has occupied 17% of Gaza, while relentless airstrikes and bombardments have devastated entire neighborhoods and left Palestinians struggling to find safety.

By seizing key areas of Gaza City and constructing the Netzarim Corridor, Israeli forces have cut off northern Gaza from the south. Now, with the Morag Corridor, the southern cities of Rafah and Khan Younis will also be split apart, with new Israeli settlements emerging in between.

Meanwhile, indiscriminate attacks on civilians, including children continue, with Israel blocking humanitarian aid into Gaza for over a month, leaving thousands of Palestinians on the brink of starvation.

Check: Israel expands military operation in Gaza, plans to seize large areas

The latest Israeli strike on a UNRWA clinic and the killing of paramedics have sparked global outrage, but international pressure has done little to ease the suffering of Palestinians.

Israel has continued its relentless assault on Gaza, which had persisted until December, when a fragile ceasefire took effect in January. However, the truce was severely violated by Israel on March 18.

Currently, Israel has displaced thousands of Palestinians, forcing them to leave refugee camps on foot. Many struggle to carry their belongings, while children and the elderly endure the physical toll of walking long distances.

Over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel violated the Gaza ceasefire on Tuesday, with casualties rising amid escalating airstrikes and ground assaults.

The Gaza Ministry of Health stated that at least 50,523 Palestinians have been killed and 114,638  injured in Israeli attacks since October 7, 2023.