Israeli forces begin withdrawing from key Gaza corridor

Feb 9

Devin Pavlou Digital Producer

By Devin Pavlou (Digital Producer)

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are withdrawing from the Netzarim corridor in Gaza as part of a multi-stage ceasefire agreement. This withdrawal allows displaced Gazans to reenter the area.
The second stage of the ceasefire plan is set to begin on March 2, with Israeli officials expected to discuss the ongoing ceasefire in Qatar.
The ceasefire faces challenges, including concerns about the condition of hostages released by Hamas and Israel’s refusal to agree to a complete withdrawal from Gaza until Hamas’ military and political capabilities are eliminated.

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Israeli Defense Forces are withdrawing from a critical corridor in Gaza that currently splits the region in half. This latest event in the multipart ceasefire agreement comes as ceasefire talks have soured between the parties.

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Why is the IDF withdrawing from the corridor?

One of the agreements in the multi-stage plan is the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas of Gaza, including the Netzarim corridor. During this time, Gazans who were displaced by the war will be allowed to reenter the area.

“We are preparing to implement the agreement regarding Netzarim axis,” the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement.

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What are the next stages of the plan?

The second stage of the ceasefire plan is set to begin on March 2, 42 days after the ceasefire went into effect.

Israeli officials are expected to fly to Qatar to discuss the ongoing ceasefire. Qatar has been moderating ceasefire talks, along with Egypt.

Israel said the officials were expected to discuss technical aspects of the first stage and not the second stage, which officials see as more challenging.

Talks on the second stage were expected to start Monday, Feb. 3. However, both sides have made little progress.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returned to Israel after making an official visit to the United States. He is expected to convene with his security cabinet on Tuesday, Feb 11.

During his trip to the U.S., President Donald Trump announced a new proposed plan for the U.S. taking Gaza after Palestinians are removed from the area. Trump announced the plan during a joint press conference with Netanyahu.

Netanyahu said the plan was a great idea and the “first fresh idea in years.”

What’s hurting the ceasefire?

On Saturday, Feb. 8, Hamas released three prisoners as part of the first stage of the deal. Following the release, several raised questions about the condition of the remaining 33 hostages, at least eight of those are confirmed to be dead.

Another issue affecting the ceasefire is Israel has said it won’t agree to a complete withdrawal from Gaza until Hamas’ military and political capabilities are eliminated. Hamas has said it won’t give Israel the final hostages until Israel removes all of its troops.