Israeli forces withdrew from a key corridor in Gaza on Sunday, marking the latest step in a fragile ceasefire agreement.
The move comes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces mounting pressure to extend the truce, especially after the release of three emaciated Israeli hostages sparked national outrage.
Israel withdraws troops from key Gaza corridor
The four-mile Netzarim corridor, which had served as a military zone for the past 16 months, saw no Israeli forces present on Sunday. Since the ceasefire began last month, Israel has allowed hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to cross the corridor and return north. However, the extent of the withdrawal remains unclear, as Israeli forces still maintain positions along Gaza’s borders with Israel and Egypt.
Hamas spokesperson Abdel Latif Al-Qanoua declared the withdrawal a victory, saying it showed Israel was forced to comply with the group’s demands. But Israel has reiterated that a full withdrawal will not happen until Hamas is fully dismantled.
Uncertainty over ceasefire extension
The ceasefire, which started on January 19, remains fragile as both sides struggle to negotiate the second phase of the agreement. While Hamas has been gradually releasing hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and humanitarian aid, talks to secure the release of remaining captives have stalled.
Netanyahu, returning from a U.S. visit with President Donald Trump, has sent a delegation to Qatar for further negotiations. However, the inclusion of lower-level officials has raised doubts about whether any significant breakthrough will emerge.
Meanwhile, the war’s impact continues to be felt beyond Gaza. In the occupied West Bank, two Palestinian women—one of them eight months pregnant—were reportedly killed by Israeli gunfire during ongoing military operations.
Trump’s Gaza plan adds complications
The situation has been further complicated by Trump’s proposal for the U.S. to take control of Gaza and relocate its population. While Israel has expressed openness to the idea, Hamas, the Palestinian Authority, and much of the international community have rejected it outright.
Egypt has announced an emergency Arab summit for February 27 to address the “dangerous new developments.” Saudi Arabia has also condemned Netanyahu’s recent suggestion that Palestinians establish a state outside Gaza, calling it an attempt to distract from Israel’s actions in the war.
Ongoing violence in the West Bank
Violence has escalated in the West Bank, with Israeli forces expanding their military operation in the northern region. The Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, said the goal is to prevent Iran, a Hamas ally, from gaining influence in the territory.
The war, which began with Hamas’ October 7 attack that left 1,200 Israelis dead and 250 taken hostage, has resulted in over 47,000 Palestinian deaths, according to local health authorities. With negotiations stalling and political tensions rising, the ceasefire’s future remains uncertain.
