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What the Hamas attacks on the Netzarim corridor mean

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The Netzarim Corridor, an IDF-controlled area that crosses the Gaza Strip from nearby Kibbutz Be’eri to the sea, has become a magnet for Hamas’s claims of attacks. Pro-Iranian media outlets such as Al-Mayadeen publish reports every few days claiming that Hamas has targeted the corridor. This illustrates how Hamas feels about its current operations in Gaza. According to the reports, Hamas is working with other terrorist groups in Gaza to target the corridor.

For example, on May 8, Al-Mayadeen reported on Hamas attacks and activities in Gaza. This is likely based on Hamas’ statements directly to this media group. Hamas’ claims include that “the resistance continues to intensify its operations in the ‘Netzarim’ axis in connection with countering the ground incursion by Israeli troops in Rafah.” The report states that “the Al-Qassam military media Brigades (Hamas) have released scenes documenting the attack on the occupation headquarters in this axis, together with the Martyr Jihad Jibril Brigades, the military wing of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, General Command.

This is important because it joins other reports in which Hamas has highlighted the role of its own terror cells alongside those of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades and also the DFLP’s National Resistance Brigades.

This is no small matter, as it shows how Hamas wants to highlight the role of these other groups. This would allow Hamas to show that it is working in solidarity with other Palestinian groups rather than oppressing or sidelining them. Hamas may be doing this to increase its chances of working with the same groups in the West Bank to coordinate attacks in the future. On the other hand, Hamas may be relying on these groups because it lacks the forces it once had in Gaza.

Palestinian fighters from Hamas’ armed wing take part in a military parade marking the anniversary of the 2014 war with Israel near the border in the central Gaza Strip on July 19, 2023. (Source: REUTERS/IBRAHEEM ABU MUSTAFA)

What the continued reference to the Natzarim corridor makes clear

The continued reference to the Netzarim Corridor shows how this area of ​​IDF presence has become a magnet for attacks. This is partly because the IDF has withdrawn from other areas in the Gaza Strip. For example, the IDF withdrew from large parts of the northern Gaza Strip in January and February. Then, in April, the IDF withdrew its 98th Division from Khan Younis. Leaving the Netzarim Corridor meant that Hamas could return to most of the Gaza Strip and begin openly coordinating against the IDF. The IDF has deployed two reserve brigades in the corridor after withdrawing the Nahal Brigade in late April.

On May 7, the IDF said that “IDF ground forces continue to operate in the central corridor of the Gaza Strip.” During the operation, the troops identified a terrorist cell that entered a military building in the area. IAF fighter jets attacked and eliminated the terrorists.” Hamas is focusing on this area.

Hamas appears to be trying to return to a classic form of terrorist insurgency by targeting the corridor. This means that Hamas feels that it has freedom of movement in most parts of the Gaza Strip and that it determines the time and place of the attack itself. She also uses this for propaganda purposes. Given the setbacks in eastern Rafah, where Hamas has so far appeared not to vehemently oppose the IDF deployment, the terror group can instead focus on areas where it believes it can boast of carrying out attacks.

While the attacks do not harm anyone and are not reflected on the ground in the way Hamas and the terrorists describe them, they do symbolize the way Hamas plans to wage the next phase of its war. Hamas appears to believe that these harassing attacks will ultimately lead to victory and the IDF leaving Gaza.



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