Israeli Troops Withdraw from Netzarim Corridor
Israeli troops have withdrawn from the Netzarim Corridor, a key military zone that had cut off the north of the Gaza Strip from the south. This withdrawal is part of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement signed on 19 January, which has already led to the release of 16 Israeli hostages and 566 Palestinian prisoners.
The withdrawal follows an earlier partial pull-out last month when pedestrians were allowed to cross into northern Gaza via Rashid Street. However, vehicles must still use Salah al-Din Street, where they undergo screening for weapons by US and Egyptian security contractors. The IDF has not officially commented on Sunday’s full withdrawal from the eastern part of the corridor.
This move is expected to facilitate the return of hundreds of Palestinians who had been prevented from accessing their homes in northern Gaza due to the blockade.
Impact on Palestinian Returnees
The withdrawal comes as a significant step toward normalizing life for many Gazans. Hundreds of Palestinians began returning to northern Gaza with goods such as mattresses and other essentials. However, they often encountered scenes of utter destruction due to Israeli attacks during the recent conflict.
About 700,000 residents of northern Gaza fled to southern areas at the start of the war when Israel issued mass evacuation orders before launching a ground invasion. Many were subsequently forced to move multiple times as Israeli forces advanced into southern Gaza, further complicating their return home.
The UN estimates that about two-thirds of Gaza’s buildings have been damaged or destroyed by Israel’s attacks during the conflict. This destruction has made it challenging for displaced Palestinians to return to their homes immediately.
Future Ceasefire and Hostages
At least 48,189 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s offensive against Gaza according to Hamas-run health ministry figures. The UN reports that about two-thirds of Gaza’s buildings were damaged or destroyed.
By the end of the first stage of the ceasefire agreement in three weeks, 33 additional hostages are expected to be released, bringing the total freed to date to 45 (including both Israeli and Palestinian prisoners). Israel has stated that eight of these freed hostages are dead.
The Israeli government expects a full withdrawal of troops from Gaza by the end of this stage, allowing for the return of all displaced Palestinians who had been cut off due to the blockade.
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