Israel withdraws from Gaza's Nezarim corridor amid ceasefire
Israel has begun withdrawing its forces from the key Nezarim corridor in the Gaza Strip as part of a ceasefire with Hamas, the AP reported on Sunday, citing an Israeli official.
The Nezarim corridor divides the Gaza Strip into northern and southern parts. Israel’s withdrawal from this area is a significant element of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas.
Withdrawal of Israeli forces
Soon after this announcement, representatives of the Palestinian organization Hamas confirmed that the Israeli army had already vacated the corridor. Two weeks earlier, Israel had begun pulling soldiers from the western part of the corridor, which allowed Palestinians to return to their homes in the northern part of the Gaza Strip.
According to the agreement, Israel was to withdraw from the entire corridor on the 21st day of the ceasefire, which is Sunday. Israeli soldiers are also present in the Philadelphi corridor, separating the Gaza Strip from Egypt, from which they are to withdraw on the 50th day of the ceasefire.
Ceasefire
The ceasefire is in effect from January 19 to early March. It includes a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces, allowing refugees to return to their hometowns, increasing humanitarian aid supplies, and the exchange of Hamas hostages for Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.
The prospects of extending the agreement and reaching a permanent ceasefire remain uncertain.
