In a devastating escalation, Israeli military strikes have caused widespread destruction and a severe humanitarian crisis in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. According to a statement from Gaza’s Government Media Office, Israeli forces are carrying out “horrific massacres against defenseless civilians” and have destroyed vital infrastructure, residential buildings, and key facilities across the city.

The statement emphasized that Rafah is now “uninhabitable” due to the scale of the damage. Reports indicate that over 90% of the city's homes have been destroyed, along with 22 of its 24 water wells, more than 85% of its sewage system, and at least eight schools and educational institutions. Additionally, 12 medical centers have been forced to shut down.

In the midst of the ongoing attacks, Israel has announced the creation of a new “security corridor” within war-torn southern Gaza. The so-called “Morag Corridor” has effectively severed Rafah from the rest of the Gaza Strip. According to maps published in Israeli media, the corridor spans from east to west, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the plan last Wednesday. He stated that the corridor will further isolate Rafah from other parts of Gaza.

Historically, Morag was a former Israeli settlement located between Rafah and Khan Younis, and Netanyahu hinted that the new corridor would run through these two areas.

Source: Middle East Eye