In a significant development, the Israeli military has officially pulled back from the Netzarim corridor in Gaza. This strategic corridor, which slices through the heart of Gaza, was a focal point in the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. 🤝
An Israeli security source, wishing to remain anonymous, confirmed the withdrawal from central Gaza. Previously, Israeli troops had begun reducing their presence in the area, paving the way for Hamas-run police to oversee the movement of Palestinians through the corridor. 🚶♂️🚶♀️
The Netzarim corridor, stretching about four miles from the Israeli border to the Mediterranean Sea, had been a critical barrier, isolating Gaza’s northern communities from the south. 🗺️
Recently, thousands of Palestinians have been using the corridor to return to their northern homes after sheltering in the south during the conflict. Many have been stunned by the devastation they find, with destroyed neighborhoods and even human remains in former Israeli-occupied areas. 😢
Northern Gaza has faced severe damage from the military offensive, leaving some residents displaced while others set up makeshift tents where their homes once stood. 🏚️⛺
Additionally, former American soldiers working as private contractors have been inspecting vehicles passing through the corridor since the ceasefire began, following over 15 months of conflict. 🚗🔍
The ceasefire, which started on January 19, is structured in three phases. The first phase spans 42 days, during which Israel committed to withdrawing its forces. With the first phase now halfway through, ongoing negotiations led by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States aim to extend the ceasefire into its next phase, potentially involving the release of more hostages and Palestinian detainees. 🕊️
Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops.
(With input from Reuters and Xinhua)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
