Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have taken full control of the Netzarim corridor, effectively dividing the Gaza Strip into two parts.

"The IDF has completed the takeover of the Netzarim corridor west of the Gaza coastline, thereby dividing Gaza into the north and south. This tightens the encirclement of Gaza City, and anyone attempting to move south will have to pass through IDF checkpoints," Katz wrote on the social media platform X.

According to him, this is a "last opportunity for the residents of Gaza to move south and leave the 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 has significant military importance. This narrow link in central Gaza allows for the separation of the northern part from the south and restricts the movement of both civilians and fighters. With this move, Israel is building upon previous operations.

In February 2025, IDF units withdrew from the area as part of a ceasefire, but they returned in March when the agreement collapsed. Since then, the area has been a battlefield again, and today's announcement means that the Israeli army is declaring complete control over the western part of the corridor.

According to the newspapers The Guardian and The Washington Post, this move is being interpreted as a significant tightening of the siege on Gaza City. At the same time, Israeli officials claim that it is a path to "ending the war" and a condition for the return of the hostages still held by Hamas.

Katz emphasized that the army is prepared for any developments and that the operation will continue until Hamas lays down its arms. The statements that anyone who remains in Gaza City will be considered a terrorist have already drawn sharp criticism. According to international humanitarian organizations, such an interpretation could mean collective punishment of the civilian population, which is a violation of international law. Nevertheless, the Israeli government claims that the goal is to isolate Hamas and force it to surrender.

The Netzarim corridor is historically known as a key transportation route that Israel has previously used for military purposes. Its control allows the army to regulate movement between the north and south of the Gaza Strip while also putting pressure on the civilian population to leave the northern areas. According to Reuters, this strategy is part of a broader offensive aimed at preparing the ground for possible diplomatic negotiations, including a new American proposal by President Donald Trump for a ceasefire and reconstruction of Gaza.

The current situation shows an escalation of the conflict and an attempt by Israel to impose a military reality that would strengthen its position at the negotiating table. Although Katz speaks of a "path to ending the war," in practice, this move represents a further escalation of the fighting, the displacement of thousands of people to the south, and a growing humanitarian crisis in the besieged Gaza City.

gnews.cz - GH