Israel Intensifies Gaza Offensive to Force Hamas to Release Hostages

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have entered a new and intensified phase of their ground campaign in Gaza, escalating pressure on Hamas in a strategic effort to secure the release of 59 hostages still being held by the terrorist group.

The push centers around the creation of the "Morag Corridor," a military zone designed to isolate Rafah from Khan Younis and further divide Hamas’ territory. According to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the operation is aimed at tightening the noose around Hamas step by step until the hostages are returned.

“We are now cutting off the Strip… the longer they refuse to give them up, the more the pressure will increase until they do,” Netanyahu declared.

The corridor, named after the former Israeli settlement of Morag which was vacated during Israel’s 2005 withdrawal from Gaza is one of several critical sections being secured by the IDF:

• The Philadelphia Corridor, running along the Egypt-Gaza border, is already under Israeli control.

• The Netzarim Corridor, splitting the Gaza Strip in half, has allowed the IDF to restrict Hamas movement and logistics.

With this new front, the IDF is estimated to control nearly 30% of Gaza, according to sources cited by the Jerusalem Post. If Hamas doesn’t reach a new hostage deal soon, Israeli officials say a full-scale invasion of Rafah could be imminent.

The military issued evacuation orders in Rafah earlier this week, warning civilians that troops are returning “with great force.” The Israeli Air Force launched strikes on over 50 Hamas targets overnight, with dozens more hit throughout the day.

In a visit to Rafah, IDF Chief of the General Staff LTG Eyal Zamir made it clear:

“The only thing that can halt our further advance is the release of our hostages!”

Israel’s counteroffensive has already eliminated over a dozen top Hamas leaders since the collapse of the ceasefire, many of whom were responsible not only for military operations but for maintaining Hamas’ authoritarian grip on Gaza’s population.

And the people of Gaza are starting to rise up.

Protests have erupted across the Strip, with civilians calling for an end to Hamas’ reign. In Beit Lahiya, demonstrators waved white flags and demanded the terrorist group release the hostages. In a brutal response, Hamas militants abducted and murdered 22-year-old Odai al-Rabei, a protester from Gaza City, in a desperate attempt to silence opposition.

It’s a stunning moment. Even Gazans, long under Hamas’ brutal control, are risking their lives to demand change and Israel is using every lever of power to deliver it.

This is what happens when a free nation refuses to be extorted. Israel’s message to Hamas is unmistakable: return the hostages or face relentless, growing pressure.

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