Tel aviv: Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has publicly criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his use of the 'Morag Axis' in southern Gaza as a stumbling block to achieving a ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement with Hamas. Lapid's comments come in response to reports from Israeli media indicating that Netanyahu's stance on maintaining a military presence in the Morag Corridor-connecting Rafah and Khan Younis-remains the primary hurdle to finalizing the deal.

According to Anadolu Agency, Lapid expressed his disapproval in a radio interview with public broadcaster KAN, questioning the strategic significance attributed to the Morag Axis by Netanyahu. Lapid drew comparisons to Netanyahu's previous assertions on the importance of the Philadelphi Corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border, suggesting that the prime minister has used similar reasoning to stall negotiations.

Lapid questioned whether the Morag Axis should dictate the fate of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza, emphasizing that its selection was originally based on practical considerations. Netanyahu had previously declared the Israeli army's control over the Morag Axis approximately three months prior, likening it to a 'second Philadelphi Corridor' and highlighting its strategic role in dividing Gaza and pressuring Hamas.

Netanyahu's approach occurs against the backdrop of Defense Minister Israel Katz's proposal to relocate Gaza's entire population to a 'humanitarian city' on the ruins of Rafah. The Morag Axis emerged following the collapse of a ceasefire agreement in January, initially agreed upon by Israel but subsequently abandoned.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with the Israeli army reportedly killing nearly 57,700 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, since October 2023. The intense bombardment has devastated the region, leading to severe food shortages and a proliferation of disease.

In a related development, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.