Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had taken full control of the Netzarim corridor, effectively dividing the Gaza Strip in two.
"The IDF completed the takeover of the Netzarim corridor west of the Gaza coast, dividing Gaza into north and south. This will tighten the siege of Gaza City, and anyone attempting to move south will have to pass through IDF checkpoints," Katz wrote on the social network X.
In his words, it's about "the last chance for Gazans to go south and leave Hamas terrorists isolated in Gaza City". He also added that "those who remain in Gaza City will be considered terrorists and their supporters".
Control of the Netzarim corridor is of vital military importance. This narrow link in the central part of Gaza makes it possible to separate the northern part from the southern part and to restrict the movement of civilians and combatants. This is Israel's follow-up to earlier operations.
In February 2025, IDF troops left the area as part of a ceasefire, but returned in March when the deal collapsed. Since then, the area has been a battleground again, and today's announcement means that the Israeli army declares full control over the western part of the corridor.
According to both The Guardian and The Washington Post, the move is being interpreted as a significant tightening of the siege of Gaza City. At the same time, Israeli officials say it is a way to "end the war" and a condition for the return of hostages still held by Hamas.
Katz stressed that the army is ready for any developments and that the operation will continue until Hamas lays down its arms. Statements that anyone who remains in Gaza City will be considered a terrorist have already drawn sharp criticism. According to international humanitarian organisations, such an interpretation could amount to collective punishment of the civilian population, which is contrary to international law. Nevertheless, the Israeli Government claims that the aim is to isolate Hamas and force it to surrender.
The Netzarim Corridor is historically known as a key transportation axis, which Israel has used for military purposes in the past. Its control allows the army to regulate movement between the north and south of the Strip while putting pressure on the civilian population to leave the northern areas. According to Reuters, the strategy fits into a broader offensive to pave the way for possible diplomatic negotiations, including a new US proposal by President Donald Trump for a ceasefire and reconstruction of Gaza.
The current situation thus points to an escalation of the conflict and to Israel's efforts to impose military realities that would strengthen its position at the negotiating table. Although Katz speaks of a "path to ending the war," in practice the move means a further escalation of fighting, the displacement of thousands of people to the south, and a growing humanitarian crisis in besieged Gaza City.
gnews.cz - GH
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