Israeli forces have officially withdrawn from the Netzarim corridor in Gaza, a significant development enabling thousands of Palestinians to return home. This action is part of a fragile ceasefire agreement that is currently facing challenges as both sides seek to negotiate its extension.
The withdrawal occurred on Sunday, as confirmed by Israeli officials and representatives from Hamas. This move is seen as a critical step in a tenuous truce that began last month, with its first phase concluding in early March. The situation has been further complicated by the recent release of three hostages on Saturday, whose alarming conditions have intensified public pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to extend the ceasefire.
Negotiations for a prolonged ceasefire
Negotiations regarding the second phase of the ceasefire deal, which is expected to facilitate the release of more hostages, have not progressed as hoped. Talks, initially scheduled for February 3, have seen little momentum, and Netanyahu’s decision to send a low-ranking delegation to Qatar, a key mediator, has raised concerns about the potential for substantial progress. Following a recent trip to the United States for discussions with President Donald Trump, Netanyahu is expected to meet with senior Cabinet ministers this week to address the ongoing crisis.
The Netzarim corridor, which spans six kilometers and separates northern and southern Gaza, had been designated as a military zone throughout the lengthy conflict. However, on Sunday, no Israeli troops were present in the area. As the ceasefire commenced, Israel had started allowing large numbers of displaced Palestinians to traverse the corridor back to northern Gaza.
Casualties and regional implications
On the same day, the Palestinian Health Ministry reported the deaths of two women, one of whom was eight months pregnant, following Israeli gunfire in the occupied West Bank, where Israeli military operations are ongoing. Despite the ceasefire established on January 19, the situation remains precarious, with reports of three fatalities due to Israeli fire near Gaza City.
Under the current agreement, Israel has allowed vehicles carrying belongings to pass through Netzarim without inspection. However, details about the number of soldiers withdrawn remain undisclosed, as Israeli officials spoke anonymously. Troops continue to maintain positions along Gaza’s borders with both Israel and Egypt.
Hamas spokesperson Abdel Latif Al-Qanoua stated that the withdrawal illustrates the group’s success in compelling Israel to concede to their demands, claiming it undermines Netanyahu’s aspirations for total victory.
While Israel insists it will not withdraw completely from Gaza until Hamas’ military capabilities are dismantled, Hamas has made it clear that they will not release the remaining hostages until all Israeli forces have exited the territory. During the first phase of the ceasefire, Hamas has begun a gradual release of 33 Israeli hostages taken during the October 7 attack that instigated the ongoing conflict, in exchange for the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and significant humanitarian aid to Gaza.
As families of hostages gathered in Tel Aviv to urge Netanyahu to extend the ceasefire, they expressed urgent concerns about the fate of their loved ones. Ayala Metzger, whose father-in-law was a hostage, emphasized the importance of swiftly concluding the negotiations.
Netanyahu faces increasing pressure from far-right factions within his government to resume military operations against Hamas, following the deadliest attack in Israeli history on October 7. The situation is further complicated by Trump’s controversial proposal to relocate Gazans and assume control of the territory, a suggestion met with widespread criticism from Palestinians and the international community.
In response to the developments, Egypt is set to host an emergency Arab summit on February 27 to address these pressing issues. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia condemned Netanyahu’s recent comments regarding potential Palestinian statehood, asserting that they merely distract from the ongoing violence faced by Palestinians. Qatar also criticized these remarks as both provocative and a violation of international norms.
The toll of the ongoing conflict has been severe, with local health authorities reporting over 47,000 Palestinian casualties, a figure that does not distinguish between combatants and civilians, following Hamas’ initial attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of 250 individuals.