Israeli Forces Begin Withdrawal from Gaza Under Ceasefire Agreement
AP, Mughraka (Gaza Strip) – Israeli forces have begun withdrawing from the Gaza Strip under a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, Israeli officials said on Sunday. Meanwhile, Palestinians were seen returning to their homes in vehicles on the streets of Netzarim, carrying their belongings. Israel has stated that it will not interfere with these vehicles.
According to the agreement, Israeli forces will withdraw from a 6-kilometer stretch of the Netzarim Corridor, which divides Gaza into two parts—north and south. During the war, Israel had turned this area into a heavily militarized zone. Last month, a ceasefire agreement was reached between Israel and Hamas, after which Israel allowed civilians to return to northern Gaza. Thousands of displaced residents have since moved back.
With the Israeli army now actively withdrawing, another key aspect of the agreement is being fulfilled. Attention is now shifting to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, which is expected to include the release of additional Israeli hostages and an extension of the ceasefire.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to send only low-ranking officials to Qatar for the next round of negotiations has raised doubts about his commitment to the second phase. Netanyahu has scheduled a meeting with key ministers this week to further discuss the issue.
The ceasefire, which began on January 19, was brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. The first phase, lasting six weeks, is set to end in the first week of March. While both sides have had disagreements before and after the ceasefire came into effect, all terms of the agreement have been adhered to so far.
On Saturday, Hamas released three Israeli hostages, and Israel released 183 Palestinian prisoners—a significant step in maintaining the ceasefire agreement.
