Israel has officially withdrawn from the Netzarim Corridor, a key road that had effectively split Gaza in two. This move, completed on Sunday, was part of Israel’s commitments under the ceasefire agreement with Hamas. The withdrawal marks a significant shift in the conflict dynamics, allowing displaced Palestinians to move more freely between the northern and southern parts of the strip.
For months, the corridor had been a heavily controlled zone, occupied by Israeli forces since the early days of the war in Gaza. With Israeli troops pulling out, video footage showed Palestinians making their way through the area by foot, in vehicles, and even on donkeys. Many had been stranded or displaced for a long time, waiting for this moment.
“I was displaced a long time ago. I have seen people arriving on this road, sometimes even sleeping on it while waiting for the Israeli army to withdraw,” said Osama Saleem, one of the many waiting for his vehicle to be inspected at the checkpoint. “I hope the Israeli army withdraws from all of Gaza and that life returns to normal.”
Hamas quickly celebrated the withdrawal, releasing a statement that called it a “victory for the will of our people.” According to the group, Israeli forces had fully retreated from the corridor, which stretches six kilometers from the Israel-Gaza border to the Mediterranean Sea.
While Israel has yet to officially confirm the full withdrawal, CNN reporters on the ground observed no Israeli presence at the crossing on Sunday. This corridor had been a focal point of Israel’s operations in Gaza, serving as a strategic occupation zone during its prolonged military assault. However, as part of the ceasefire deal, Israeli troops began their staged retreat from the Netzarim Corridor two weeks ago.
This development has opened up the route for hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who had been displaced in the south to start returning to their homes in northern Gaza. Many of these areas have been heavily bombarded, and the returnees face a landscape of destruction and uncertainty.
Despite this withdrawal, Israel continues to maintain its presence along Gaza’s borders with Egypt and Israel. At the Netzarim crossing itself, a checkpoint managed by Egyptian and Qatari officials remains in place. These two nations have played a crucial role in mediating between the conflicting sides, facilitating ceasefire negotiations and hostage exchanges.
Speaking of the hostage agreement, Israel’s withdrawal from Netzarim coincided with the release of three more hostages on Saturday, bringing the total number freed so far to 16 out of the promised 33. Ohad Ben Ami, Eli Sharabi, and Or Levy—taken captive during Hamas’ October 7 attack—were released in exchange for 183 Palestinian prisoners. However, the frail and gaunt appearances of the freed Israeli captives have sparked outrage in Israel.
The future of the ceasefire remains uncertain. Negotiations regarding the next phases of the deal have become increasingly complex. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed skepticism about phase two, which calls for a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the return of all remaining hostages. His finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, has gone as far as threatening to resign if the ceasefire continues, further complicating Israel’s internal political landscape.
Adding another layer of tension, Netanyahu has decided to send a delegation to Doha to discuss the deal. While an Israeli official described the delegation as “mid-level” and focused on “technical details,” its presence signals that negotiations remain ongoing, even if the path forward is unclear.
Meanwhile, the conflict has not been contained to Gaza alone. On Sunday, Israel announced an expansion of its military operations in the occupied West Bank, further escalating tensions in the region. According to Palestinian health authorities, Israeli forces shot and killed a pregnant woman. CNN has reached out to the Israeli military for comment, but no response has been received yet.
As the situation unfolds, the withdrawal from Netzarim represents a significant but fragile milestone. The question remains—will this move be a step toward lasting peace, or merely a temporary shift in an ongoing conflict?
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