Israel Opens New Military Corridor in Southern Gaza
The 15 km “Magen Oz” route bisects Khan Younis as part of Israel’s strategy to pressure Hamas and reshape ceasefire dynamics.
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Israel has opened a new military corridor in southern Gaza, known as the Magen Oz corridor, amid its ongoing offensive against Hamas.
Stretching approximately 15 kilometers, the corridor runs east to west through Khan Younis, effectively bisecting the city.
This new development is part of a broader Israeli strategy to fragment Gaza into smaller zones, allowing for tighter military control and increased pressure on Hamas forces operating in the region.
The Magen Oz corridor links up with the pre-existing Morag Corridor, helping to isolate Khan Younis from Rafah and other surrounding areas.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have stated that the corridor’s purpose is to significantly restrict the movement of Hamas militants, particularly the Khan Younis Brigade, and to dismantle their infrastructure.
The operation to establish the corridor was carried out by the IDF’s 36th Division, which includes elite units like the 188th Armored Brigade and the Golani Infantry Brigade. These forces reportedly engaged in intense combat during the clearing operations, targeting underground tunnels and militant hideouts.
The success of this maneuver means that Israel now operates four major military corridors in Gaza—Netzarim, Philadelphi, Morag, and now Magen Oz—further tightening its grip on the territory.
While the strategic purpose of the Magen Oz corridor is clear from a military perspective, the humanitarian fallout has raised serious concerns.
Thousands of Palestinian civilians displaced by the conflict now face even more limited access to aid and safe zones. The division of Khan Younis adds to the already chaotic landscape, making the delivery of humanitarian assistance increasingly difficult.
Twenty-one Palestinians were killed on Wednesday, July 16, when gas was fired into the crowd, causing a crush at an aid center in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, according to the enclave's Health Ministry.
Israel’s use of corridor systems in Gaza is also being viewed as a form of political leverage. With ceasefire talks stalling, the increasing fragmentation of the territory may serve to pressure Hamas into negotiations under less favorable terms.
The opening of the new military corridor follows the Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz's announcement of a plan for a concentration camp in Rafah.
The opening of the Magen Oz corridor not only signals a significant shift in the tactical landscape of Gaza but also the political and humanitarian dynamics at play. As Israel continues to build and enforce these military routes, the international community is watching closely, weighing the balance between security objectives and humanitarian responsibilities.
The long-term impact of these corridors will depend not just on military outcomes but also on the success of diplomatic efforts and adherence to international law.