Israel has completed its withdrawal from the Netzarim Corridor, a militarized zone dividing Gaza, as part of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas. This withdrawal follows a 15-month-long Israeli military campaign and has allowed hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to move northward, with many facing destruction and checkpoints along their journey.
Hamas has declared this withdrawal a victory for the Palestinian people, while reports confirm the absence of Israeli forces in the area. The corridor, named after a former Israeli settlement, served as a strategic zone during the occupation. The withdrawal is linked to a ceasefire and hostage deal that recently saw the release of three Israeli hostages and 183 Palestinian prisoners.
Despite the withdrawal, tensions remain high, as Israeli forces killed three Palestinians near the Gaza border shortly after the retreat. Israeli officials emphasize a zero-tolerance policy toward perceived threats near the border.
The ongoing negotiations regarding further phases of the ceasefire and hostage agreement face uncertainty, with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu displaying caution about full withdrawal and subsequent hostage releases. In addition, violence has escalated in the West Bank, where recent incidents involved Israeli forces fatally shooting a pregnant woman. The United Nations reports significant restrictions on essential services in affected areas due to military actions, particularly in Jenin and Tulkarm.
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