The Israeli occupation forces announced the completion of a new corridor through the southern Gaza Strip, cutting across Khan Younis from east to west.

Dubbed the 'Magen Oz' route, the corridor, spanning approximately 15 kilometers, was constructed over recent weeks by the occupation’s 36th Division. According to Israeli military sources, the project aims to dismantle what "Israel" describes as “terror infrastructure and operatives” linked to the Palestinian resistance.

The 188th Armored Brigade and the Golani Infantry Brigade reportedly completed the corridor after linking up along the route, which now bisects Khan Younis. 

A map released by the Israeli military shows that the 'Magen Oz' corridor connects with the pre-existing 'Morag corridor', which already separates Khan Younis from the city of Rafah to the south. Together, the two routes form a network of separation barriers across the southern Gaza Strip.

'A new bargaining chip'

Israeli Army Radio military correspondent Doron Kadosh described the newly completed corridor as a critical component of the Israeli pressure campaign in the Gaza Strip.

“This is a key part of increasing pressure on Hamas,” Kadosh stated, adding: “Israel’s new bargaining chip in the negotiations? Following the Netzarim, Philadelphi, and Morag routes, the Israeli army has now announced the construction of a new corridor,  the Magen Oz axis.”

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“As long as the Chief of Staff says the operation in Gaza has fulfilled its objectives, what are we still doing there?” Lieberman asked. 

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