Israeli Military Withdraws from Netzarim Corridor in Gaza
Ceasefire Agreement Takes Effect
The Israeli military has withdrawn from the Netzarim corridor, a 4-mile-long area that bisects the Gaza Strip, according to Hamas. This move was expected under the ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian militant group.
Withdrawal Confirmed by Israeli Security Source
An Israeli security source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the Israeli military was withdrawing from its positions in central Gaza. Israeli forces had already reduced their presence in the area.
Hamas Celebrates Victory
Hamas celebrated the withdrawal as a victory and deployed its police force to manage the flow of Palestinians crossing through the corridor. The Israeli military had no immediate comment.
Reuters Footage Shows Israeli Military Vehicles Departing
Reuters footage showed what appeared to be Israeli military vehicles moving away from the coast and towards the Israeli border.
Background on the Netzarim Corridor
The Netzarim corridor, which stretches from the Israeli border to the Mediterranean Sea, has been occupied by Israeli forces since the early months of the war. The corridor has cut off Gaza’s northern communities, including its largest metropolitan area, from the south.
Thousands of Palestinians Stream Through the Corridor
Thousands of Palestinians have streamed through the corridor in recent weeks, returning to their homes in the north from southern Gaza, where they had sought shelter from the war. Some who crossed over have described their shock at seeing the destruction of communities and discovering what they said were human remains in areas where Israeli forces had withdrawn.
Wasteland in Northern Gaza
Much of northern Gaza has become a wasteland following Israel’s devastating campaign. After finding their homes destroyed, some Gazans have gone back to the south, while others have set up tents where their homes once stood.
Ceasefire Agreement Implemented
The ceasefire agreement, implemented on January 19, brought an end to more than 15 months of war. The agreement was brokered by Egypt and other regional powers.
Hamas Military and Police Forces Increase Public Presence
Hamas military and police forces have increased their public presence since January’s ceasefire, in what analysts say is an intentional message that the group has not been defeated.
Israel’s Retaliatory Assault
Israel vowed to destroy Hamas for its October 2023 attack, which killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and took over 250 hostages. More than 46,000 people have been killed by Israel’s retaliatory assault, according to Palestinian health authorities, who say most of the dead are women and children.
Conclusion
The Israeli military’s withdrawal from the Netzarim corridor marks a significant development in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The ceasefire agreement and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the corridor are seen as a victory for Hamas and a step towards stability in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Netzarim corridor?
A: The Netzarim corridor is a 4-mile-long area that bisects the Gaza Strip, stretching from the Israeli border to the Mediterranean Sea.
Q: Why did Israel occupy the corridor?
A: Israel occupied the corridor as part of its military campaign against Hamas in Gaza.
Q: What was the outcome of the ceasefire agreement?
A: The ceasefire agreement, implemented on January 19, brought an end to more than 15 months of war and led to the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Netzarim corridor.
Q: What is the current situation in Gaza?
A: Much of northern Gaza has become a wasteland following Israel’s devastating campaign. Gazans are struggling to rebuild their lives, and many have been forced to set up tents where their homes once stood.