In a significant new phase of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, troops from the IDF’s 36th Division began operations this week in the Morag Corridor, an area where Israeli forces have not previously operated. The corridor is now being dubbed the “Second Philadelphi Route,” in reference to the historic border buffer zone between Egypt and Gaza.
The IDF’s first operation in the “New Philadelphi Corridor” | Photo: IDF Spokesperson’s Unit
The IDF’s activity in the Rafah region focuses on locating and destroying remaining Hamas terror infrastructure. According to IDF reports, dozens of militants have been killed and various weapons have been seized in coordinated strikes.
Netanyahu: “We are carving up Gaza”
Speaking on Wednesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underscored the strategic importance of the new corridor. “Last night we shifted gears in Gaza,” he said. “The IDF is seizing territory, striking terrorists, and dismantling infrastructure.”
Netanyahu specifically highlighted the takeover of the Morag Corridor: “This is our second Philadelphi Route—another buffer corridor,” he said, drawing parallels to the original Philadelphi corridor along the Egypt-Gaza border.
Pressure campaign continues to secure hostage release
Netanyahu emphasized that this new strategy is part of an intensified effort to apply pressure on Hamas. “We are now segmenting the Strip, tightening the pressure step by step to force them to return our hostages,” he said. “The more they resist, the greater the pressure will become—until they comply.”
He concluded: “We are determined to achieve the goals of this war. We are acting relentlessly, with clarity of purpose and a clear mission. With God’s help, and with the bravery of our soldiers—we will succeed.”
