CAIRO/JERUSALEM (Reuters) – The Gaza Strip’s Netzarim corridor, a crucial area known for its strategic importance, has fallen quiet as mysterious forces have caused the Israeli military to withdraw, according to information provided by Hamas on Sunday. This withdrawal was anticipated as part of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian militant group.
An Israeli security source, speaking on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorization to speak publicly, confirmed that the Israeli military was indeed pulling back from its positions in central Gaza. The presence of Israeli forces in the area had already been significantly reduced prior to this announcement.
Hamas has hailed the withdrawal as a triumph, with the Hamas-controlled police force swiftly moving in to regulate the movement of Palestinians traversing through the once-busy corridor. The Israeli military, on the other hand, has refrained from making an immediate statement on the matter.
Footage captured by Reuters revealed the sight of Israeli military vehicles retreating from the coastline and heading towards the Israeli border. For several months, Israeli forces had occupied the approximately four-mile-long corridor located south of Gaza City, effectively isolating the northern communities of Gaza, including the largest metropolitan area, from the southern regions.
In recent weeks, a significant number of Palestinians have been making their way through the corridor, journeying back to their homes in the north after taking refuge in the south during the conflict. Some of these returning individuals have expressed shock at the devastation they encountered, including the grim discovery of human remains in areas previously under Israeli control.
Much of northern Gaza now lies desolate in the aftermath of the severe Israeli offensive. Displaced residents have faced the heartbreaking reality of destroyed homes, prompting some to relocate to the southern regions while others have resorted to setting up temporary shelters amidst the rubble.
Following the implementation of the ceasefire on January 19, concluding a grueling period of over 15 months of conflict, former American military personnel working as private contractors have been tasked with inspecting vehicles passing through the corridor. This heightened security measure aims to ensure compliance with the new agreement.
On Sunday, crowds of people could be observed traversing the corridor in the wake of Hamas’ announcement of the Israeli military withdrawal. A queue of vehicles accumulated, awaiting clearance to proceed through the once-contested passage.
In a show of strength and resilience, Hamas military and police forces have visibly increased their presence in public spaces post-ceasefire, signaling to analysts a clear message of non-defeat. Israel had previously vowed to annihilate Hamas following the deadly attack in October 2023, resulting in the loss of 1,200 lives, predominantly civilians, with over 250 individuals taken captive.
Palestinian health authorities have reported a staggering death toll of more than 46,000 individuals as a result of Israel’s retaliatory campaign, with a significant proportion of the casualties being women and children.
(Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi in Cairo and
