IDF Opens 15-Km Security Corridor in Khan Yunis to Pressure Hamas

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have completed the establishment of the 15-kilometer-long Magen Oz corridor in the southern Gaza Strip, bisecting Khan Yunis between its eastern and western sectors. This strategic corridor, constructed by the 188th Armored and Golani brigades of the 36th Division, aims to increase pressure on Hamas' Khan Yunis Brigade by cutting through one of their key strongholds and linking to the Morag Corridor near Rafah, thereby encircling parts of southern Gaza. The IDF has reported eliminating dozens of terrorists and dismantling terror infrastructure such as weapons caches and tunnels in the area, enhancing operational control as part of the ongoing Operation Gideon’s Chariots within the broader conflict initiated by Hamas's October 7 attack. This corridor also supports Israeli efforts to secure border communities and strengthens its bargaining position amid current ceasefire and hostage negotiations with Hamas, which has rejected Israeli plans involving the corridor and the creation of a Hamas-free humanitarian city in southern Gaza. Israeli forces continue active operations in Gaza, including dismantling rocket launch sites and neutralizing terror cells, while the corridor solidifies Israel's control over southern Gaza's strategic zones. The IDF's move reflects a broader strategy to fragment Hamas-held territory and pressure the group toward hostage release and ceasefire agreements.