Israeli Troops Start Pullback from Vital Gaza Corridor Following Ceasefire Agreement
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Synopsis
Israeli forces have commenced their withdrawal from a vital Gaza area under the ceasefire agreement with Hamas that began last month. The pullout from the Netzarim Corridor is expected to be completed soon, marking a significant step in the ongoing negotiations.
Key Takeaways
- Israeli troops withdrawing from Gaza's Netzarim Corridor.
- Ceasefire agreement effective since January 19.
- Hamas releasing Israeli hostages in exchange for a ceasefire.
- Negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US ongoing.
- Potential second phase of the agreement in the works.
Jerusalem, Feb 9 (NationPress) Israeli troops have initiated their withdrawal from a crucial section of Gaza as part of the ceasefire pact between Israel and Hamas that came into effect last month, according to an Israeli government official's statement on Sunday.
The official, who requested anonymity, informed Xinhua news agency that the exit from the region referred to by Israel as the Netzarim Corridor — a narrow strip of land traversing Gaza from north to south — is anticipated to be finalized by late Sunday.
During a 15-month offensive against Gaza, the Israeli military had established posts within this corridor, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
An anonymous Israeli security official noted that the military was “preparing to implement the agreement in accordance with directives from the political leadership.”
Videos circulating on social media appeared to depict soldiers igniting furniture and unidentified containers at their bases, with one soldier exclaiming, “We will leave nothing for the Gazans.”
The 42-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas commenced on January 19.
As part of the deal, Israel has pledged to withdraw its forces from the designated area.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is dispatching a delegation to Qatar, which plays a significant role as a mediator in discussions between the parties. However, the delegation comprises lower-ranking officials, leading to doubts about a potential breakthrough in extending the ceasefire.
Netanyahu is expected to hold a meeting with key Cabinet Ministers later this week regarding the second phase of the agreement, although the timing remains uncertain.
During the first phase of the ceasefire, Hamas is progressively releasing 33 Israeli hostages taken during its October 7, 2023, assault in exchange for a ceasefire, the release of hundreds of Palestinian detainees, and increased humanitarian aid to the war-affected Gaza region.
The agreement specifies that Israeli forces will withdraw from populated areas within Gaza, and on day 22, which falls on Sunday, Palestinians will be permitted to travel north along a central road that runs through Netzarim, without being subjected to inspections by Israeli troops.
As the truce surpasses its midpoint, negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US are set to determine whether the ceasefire will advance into its second phase, which would encompass further releases of hostages and Palestinian detainees.
