The Israeli military withdrew from Gaza's Netzarim corridor, a strategic zone separating the enclave's north and south, marking a critical step in the ceasefire deal with Hamas. The Palestinian group confirmed the move Sunday, while an anonymous Israeli security source acknowledged the troop pullback.
Thousands of displaced Palestinians have used the corridor to return to Gaza's devastated northern areas since Israel reduced its military presence. Many found neighborhoods reduced to rubble and uncollected human remains in territories formerly under Israeli control. Some families have set up temporary shelters amid ruins, while others retreated south due to uninhabitable conditions.
The four-mile corridor—occupied by Israeli forces early in the 15-month conflict—had severed access between Gaza City and southern regions. Hamas-run police now manage crossings amid reports of former U.S. military contractors assisting vehicle inspections under the truce terms.
The phased ceasefire, active since January 19, enters a pivotal stage as mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. negotiate progress toward Phase 2. This next step could bring additional hostage-prisoner exchanges if the fragile peace holds.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
