Israel begins military pullout from Gaza’s Netzarim Corridor
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Jerusalem: Israeli forces have begun withdrawing from a strategic corridor in Gaza as part of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement that took effect last month, an Israeli government official confirmed on Sunday.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official told Xinhua news agency that the pullout from the area known as the Netzarim Corridor, a strip of land that bisected Gaza from north to south is expected to be completed by late Sunday. The Israeli military had established posts in the corridor during its 15-month-long assault on Gaza, Xinhua reported.
An Israeli security official, also speaking anonymously, stated that the military was "preparing to implement the agreement according to the guidelines of the political echelon." Meanwhile, footage circulating on social media appeared to show troops setting fire to furniture and unidentified boxes at their bases, with a soldier heard shouting, "We will leave nothing for the Gazans."
The 42-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect on January 19, with Israel committing to withdrawing its forces from the area as part of the deal. During the first phase of the ceasefire, Hamas is gradually releasing 33 Israeli hostages captured during its October 7, 2023, attack in exchange for a pause in fighting, the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, and an increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza.
As part of the agreement, Israeli troops are set to pull back from populated areas, and on day 22, this Sunday Palestinians will be allowed to move north through a central road crossing Netzarim without being inspected by Israeli forces.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sent a delegation to Qatar, a key mediator in the negotiations. However, with the mission consisting of low-level officials, speculation has arisen that it may not lead to a breakthrough in extending the truce. Netanyahu is also expected to convene a meeting of key Cabinet ministers this week to discuss the second phase of the agreement, though no specific timeline has been set.
With the ceasefire now at its midpoint, negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US are ongoing to determine whether the truce will be extended, potentially leading to the release of more hostages and Palestinian detainees.
With IANS inputs