Israel Isolates Rafah in Gaza and Plans Military Expansion
Israel built a new security corridor that isolates Rafah from the rest of Gaza and is set to expand military operations. Defense Minister Israel Katz has also urged Palestinians to evacuate combat zones amid worsening humanitarian conditions.
Published on April 13, 2025
On April 13, 2025, Israeli forces constructed a new security corridor that effectively isolates Rafah—the southern city of Gaza—from the rest of the territory. Defense Minister Israel Katz urged Palestinian residents to evacuate unspecified combat zones, calling for the removal of Hamas and the release of hostages as part of a broader plan to intensify military operations in the region.
The move comes amid reports of a renewed blockade that has deepened shortages of food, fuel, and humanitarian aid for Gaza’s 2 million residents. Alongside the ongoing evacuations, other media accounts have noted that hundreds of thousands have been displaced since operations resumed earlier this month, with rights groups condemning these measures as potential war crimes in an escalating conflict.