In a new step that reflects an escalation in an Israeli strategy to divide the Gaza Strip, Tel Aviv announced the creation of what is known as the “Morag axis”, a land corridor that extends from east to west in the south of the Strip with the aim of separating the city of Rafah from the rest of the regions. This step comes at a time when humanitarian parties warn of catastrophic repercussions on more than a million Palestinians living in the south.
Morag axis: The corridor that re -draws the Gaza map
According to maps published by Israeli media, the “Morag axis” extends from the beach in the west to the “Sofa” crossing located on the border between Gaza and Israel. This corridor extends along 12 km, and the Israeli army has deployed its forces along this axis, which raises concern about the humanitarian consequences that may result from this division.
Morag axis: Philadelphia Corridor Second
In a statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described this new corridor as the “Philadelphia Corridor”, referring to the border strip between Gaza and Egypt, which has been controlled by Israel since last May. Netanyahu added that the goal of establishing this axis is to pressure Hamas and isolate the city of Rafah from the rest of Gaza.
Back to the division map: Gaza division into three regions
This development comes after Israel confirmed its control of the “Netsarim Pass”, which separates the northern Gaza Strip, including Gaza City, from the central and southern Gaza Strip. In this way, the Gaza Strip becomes actually divided into three areas separated by Israeli military corridors, which enhances concern about the erosion of the geographical unity of the sector.
The historical roots of the “Morag axis”
Although talking about this axis recently returned to the forefront, its roots date back to the period after the occupation of Gaza in 1967, when the Israeli army established a fake axis in the area for military purposes. In 1972, the “Morag” settlement was established in the region, before being evacuated as part of the unilateral withdrawal plan from Gaza in 2005.
The importance of Morag axis in division
According to press reports, the “Morag axis” bears great strategic importance, as it will deduct about 74 square kilometers of the Gaza Strip, equivalent to 20% of the total area of the sector. This axis separates the Rafah Governorate from the rest of the governorates, which impedes the movement of movement between the south and the north, especially as Rafah contains vital crossings such as the Rafah crossing with Egypt and the Karam Abu Salem crossing.
A threat to food security in Gaza
The continuation of the Israeli military presence in this axis represents a threat to the food security of the residents of the Strip, as the city of Rafah is one of the main agricultural areas in Gaza. The loss of Palestinian control over these lands will deprive the population of a major food source at a time when the sector suffers from a humanitarian crisis due to the war and the siege.
Introduction to a permanent division of the Gaza Strip
Human rights and humanitarian organizations warn that the establishment of these military corridors may lead to a permanent division of the Gaza Strip, which is a flagrant violation of international law and a threat to the unity of the Palestinian territories. In the absence of any clear political solutions, the Palestinians fear that these corridors will turn into a permanent reality, which increases the suffering of the residents of the sector who have been trapped for more than 17 years.
