From the Liveblog of
Sunday, February 9, 2025
Palestinians begin returning to eastern Netzarim Corridor in central Gaza after IDF withdrawal
Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
Palestinians are seen returning to the eastern portion of the Netzarim Corridor in the central Gaza Strip after the IDF withdrew from the area overnight as part of the ceasefire-hostage deal with Hamas.
The IDF has not yet commented on the withdrawal.
#فيديو | مشاهد أولية من محور "نتساريم" وسط قطاع غزة بعد انسحاب قوات الاحتلال صباح اليوم. pic.twitter.com/Btmvho9h7i
— وكالة شهاب للأنباء (@ShehabAgency) February 9, 2025
انسحاب جيش الاحتلال من محور "نتساريم" وسط قطاع غزة، وذلك في إطار اتفاق وقف إطلاق النار. pic.twitter.com/BFms5ZgGqG
— القسطل الإخباري (@AlQastalps) February 9, 2025
Israeli forces withdrew from their positions in the western portion of the Netzarim Corridor nearly two weeks ago, as Israel allowed displaced Gazans to return to the Strip’s north on foot via the coastal road and by vehicles on the Salah a-Din road.
The IDF maintained some posts on the eastern side of Salah a-Din road, closer to the border with Israel.
Per the outline of the agreement, on day 21 of the ceasefire, Israel must withdraw from the entire corridor that bisects the Strip and only maintain a presence in a buffer zone of up to around one kilometer inside Gaza.
Israeli forces are still deployed to the Philadelphi Corridor, the Egypt-Gaza border area. Under the deal, on day 50 of the ceasefire, Israel will need to complete its withdrawal from Philadelphi.
