The Israeli army has said its troops have begun operating in southern Gaza to establish a new military corridor, Al Jazeera reports.

The so-called Morag Corridor, named after a former illegal settlement that was evacuated in 2005, would split the city of Rafah from the rest of the Strip.

Al Jazeera’s Hind Khoudary, reporting from Deir el-Balah in central Gaza, said Israeli troops between Rafah and Khan Younis are in the process of isolating Rafah from the rest of Gaza.

“These troops are shooting at anyone who is getting close to the area. The only area open to Palestinians now is the al-Rashid corridor on the coastal road,” she said.

“This means more Palestinians are being squeezed into Khan Younis and Deir el-Balah as Israel tries to take over more land – and Rafah is very important because it’s the main road for the Karem Abu Salem crossing [between Gaza and Israel] – it’s the main window for Palestinians through Rafah.”