Israeli forces have launched new operations in the city of Gaza, aiming to strengthen control of the region, remove Hamas infrastructure and expand the designated “safety zone” there, a military spokesperson said on Saturday.
According to the IDF, the latest offensive in northern cities began the night before, causing the death of dozens of militants and the destruction of the observation station.
The military said civilians were allowed to leave the combat zone through secure corridors before and after the operation.
Earlier, Israeli Defense Minister Katz announced the expansion of military operations in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli media quoted the southern city of Rafa, which is now officially declared as the so-called Israeli “safe zone.”
The IDF said it had completely surrounded Rafah and completed the establishment of the so-called Morag corridor, essentially a newly announced “safety zone” that cut off the Hamas brigades of Rafah and Khan Younis.
The corridor was formed during a 10-day operation, which, according to the military, led to the demolition of dozens of militants and demolition of tunnels and other Hamas infrastructure.
Morag Corridor, together with the Netzarim Corridor, effectively divides the Gaza Strip into three parts. Katz describes the captured area as a “safe zone” designed to serve Israel’s defense targets.
Katz said the military will continue to advance to other parts of the territory.
IDF forces have implemented plans to capture the broad border areas of the Gaza Strip border area to establish a buffer zone with Israel along the border.
The operations are part of a broader conflict that broke out on October 7, 2023, when Islamic militant group Hamas and other factions attacked Israel, killing about 1,200 people and kidnapped about 250 people.
In response, Israel launched a large-scale military campaign in the Gaza Strip. According to Palestinians, more than 50,000 people have been killed since the beginning of the conflict.
Although these figures do not distinguish between civilians and combatants, human rights groups expressed shock at the number of women and children in the casualties.
