Hamas Announces Israeli Withdrawal From Strategic Corridor as Civilians Return North
The Israeli military has pulled back from the Netzarim corridor in central Gaza, according to an announcement by the Hamas-run government on Sunday. The withdrawal, reportedly confirmed by a senior Israeli security source speaking on condition of anonymity to Reuters, was an anticipated step under the current ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian group.
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The corridor, stretching roughly four miles from the Israeli border to the Mediterranean Sea, had been under Israeli occupation since the early months of the war. Its presence effectively severed Gaza’s northern communities—including Gaza City, the enclave’s most populous urban area—from the south.
Hamas officials hailed the Israeli withdrawal as a victory, deploying the group’s police force to manage the flow of Palestinians crossing back through the area. The Israeli military has not issued an official statement, but footage showed what appeared to be military vehicles moving inland from Gaza’s coast toward the Israeli border. Additionally, former American soldiers, now working as private contractors, have also reportedly been seen inspecting vehicles passing through.
Thousands of Palestinians have traversed the corridor in recent weeks, venturing north to inspect their homes. Many spoke of their dismay at the widespread destruction, with some reporting discovering human remains in areas previously occupied by Israeli forces. Much of northern Gaza has been reduced to rubble by months of intensive Israeli bombardments, leaving many families with no choice but to set up makeshift camps or return to shelters in the south.
