The Israeli military has pulled out of the Netzarim Corridor in Gaza, a move Hamas is celebrating as a victory, this corridor, a four-mile stretch from the Israeli border to the Mediterranean Sea, was created by Israel in the early months of the war to split Gaza into two, cutting off the north from the south. Its removal now allows thousands of displaced Palestinians to return to what remains of their homes, only to find entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble.
For over 15 months, Israel’s assault on Gaza has left devastation in its wake, with more than 48,000 people killed, according to Palestinian health authorities. Most of the dead are women and children. Despite the withdrawal, Israeli forces are still carrying out deadly attacks, four more Palestinians were shot dead, including an elderly woman, even after the so-called ceasefire took effect.
The Human Cost of Israel’s War on Gaza
Thousands of Palestinians, forced to flee south for safety, are now returning to northern Gaza through the Netzarim Corridor. But what they’re coming back to is nothing short of tragic. Homes have been leveled, infrastructure destroyed, and human remains are still being found in areas once occupied by Israeli forces. Some displaced families, left with nowhere to go, are now setting up makeshift tents where their houses once stood.
Despite the ceasefire agreement, the Israeli military is still firing at Palestinians. Over the weekend, Israeli troops opened fire in Gaza City, killing three civilians and wounding five others. Near Khan Yunis, an elderly woman was also killed by Israeli gunfire. Israel claims it was targeting “suspects,” but the reality is that civilians continue to die even as negotiations for a more permanent ceasefire are underway.
Meanwhile, Hamas is using the withdrawal to assert its dominance. Its military and police forces have increased their presence, sending a clear message that it has not been defeated. Analysts argue that this is Hamas’ way of demonstrating resilience, despite Israel’s vow to destroy the group following its October 2023 attack, which left 1,200 Israelis dead and over 250 taken hostage.
U.S. and Israeli Politics Play Out in Gaza
Ceasefire talks are ongoing, with the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar mediating the negotiations. The agreement, which took effect on January 19, has largely held, but Israel’s continued shootings show how fragile the situation remains.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently proposed an outrageous plan, displacing Palestinians from Gaza and putting the territory under American control. The international backlash was swift, with many condemning it as “ethnic cleansing.” U.S. officials later scrambled to clarify, claiming Palestinians would only be displaced temporarily until Gaza was rebuilt and cleared of unexploded bombs. But given America’s long history of supporting Israel, many Palestinians see this as yet another betrayal.
The withdrawal from the Netzarim Corridor may be a small victory for Palestinians, but the bigger picture remains bleak. With over 48,000 dead, Gaza in ruins, and Israel still killing civilians despite the ceasefire, it’s clear that the suffering is far from over.
