Israeli Forces Likely Preparing to Open New Corridor to Mediterranean Through Gaza

Israeli forces are preparing for a new ground operation in the Deir al-Balah area of the Gaza Strip.

This was reported by The Defense Post.

Israel is reportedly expanding its military presence around Deir al-Balah, including in areas where it has not previously operated.

Local residents have been urged to evacuate southward to the al-Mawasi area, located on the Mediterranean coast.

As of now, Israeli forces continue operations not only in the Gaza Strip but also in Syria.

Following another airstrike on Syrian territory, the Israeli military announced the deployment of additional forces to the border area.

According to an official statement, the Israel Defense Forces will continue both defensive and offensive operations.

On Wednesday, July 16, the Israeli Air Force conducted an airstrike on the general headquarters of the Syrian government forces in Damascus.

Israeli Tactics in Gaza

Israel appears to be dividing the Strip into sections, and the assault on Deir al-Balah is likely intended to open a new strategic corridor.

In early April, the Israeli army launched a new military operation in the “Morag Corridor” — a territory separating Rafah from the rest of the Gaza Strip.

According to the Palestinian Authority, this operation is part of an Israeli plan to establish permanent military control over the enclave by physically dividing it.

The Morag Corridor is a strategic zone previously announced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It is located in the south of the Gaza Strip, north of the so-called Philadelphi Corridor, which runs along the Egyptian border.

Back on March 19, Israeli forces launched a ground operation in the Gaza Strip to create a buffer zone between the northern and southern parts of the enclave.

As part of that operation, Israeli units extended their control to the center of the so-called Netzarim Corridor, which stretches to the Mediterranean coast.