Understanding the Morag Axis: A Strategic Security Corridor in Gaza
- vidyarthee2021
- 12 minutes ago
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Israel has recently completed the establishment of a strategic security corridor called the Morag Axis in the southern Gaza Strip, marking a significant development in the region’s ongoing conflict dynamics. The corridor, which cuts across the Gaza Strip from east to west, has both military and geopolitical implications.
What is the Morag Axis?
Location: The Morag Axis stretches between Khan Younis and Rafah, two key cities in the southern part of the Gaza Strip.
Terrain: The corridor primarily includes agricultural lands, previously cultivated before becoming part of the militarized zone.
Name Origin: The axis is named after "Morag," an illegal Israeli settlement that existed in this area from 1972 to 2005. The settlement was evacuated during Israel's unilateral disengagement from Gaza in 2005.
Why Is It Significant?
Security Objective: Israel has developed this axis as part of its military strategy to establish control over southern Gaza, aiming to sever Hamas supply routes and enable troop movement.
Strategic Connectivity: The corridor offers direct access between the Israeli border and areas in Gaza that are perceived as hotbeds of militant activity.
Impact on Palestinians: This move has significant humanitarian implications, including the disruption of agriculture, forced displacements, and restricted civilian movement.
International Response: It is likely to attract scrutiny from the international community, including the UN and regional stakeholders, over legality and human rights concerns.
Relevance for UPSC Aspirants
GS Paper 2: International Relations
Middle East conflict, Israeli-Palestinian relations, and peace process
Role of international organisations and geopolitics of West Asia
GS Paper 1: World Geography
Understanding geographical features of conflict zones such as the Gaza Strip
GS Paper 3: Security Issues
Cross-border military strategies and conflict resolution mechanisms
UPSC Prelims Question
With reference to the Morag Axis, consider the following statements:
It is a newly constructed water canal connecting Gaza to the Mediterranean Sea.
The axis runs from Khan Younis to Rafah, cutting across the Gaza Strip.
The area was once the site of an Israeli settlement named Morag, evacuated in 2005.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect – The Morag Axis is not a water canal.
Statements 2 and 3 are correct – It runs east-west across Gaza between Khan Younis and Rafah and is named after a former settlement evacuated in 2005.
UPSC Mains Question
Q. Discuss the strategic and humanitarian implications of the creation of the Morag Axis by Israel in the context of the Gaza conflict. How does such a development influence regional stability and international diplomatic efforts?
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