Israeli Troops Pull Back from Key Corridor Bisecting Gaza

Latest Developments

• Northern Gaza Accessible to Palestinians: Israeli ground forces withdrew on February 8 from the Netzarim Corridor, an expanded road that runs from the Mediterranean coast to the Gaza Strip’s eastern border that had served to bisect the Palestinian enclave. The pullout marked the half-way point of phase one of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. Egyptian security personnel and U.S. private military contractors remained at Netzarim checkpoints, conducting searches of Palestinian vehicles returning civilians to the northern Gaza Strip. The IDF did not officially confirm the redeployment away from Netzarim, saying only that it was continuing to implement that truce as ordered by the Israeli government. 
• Palestinians Probe Israeli Defenses: Israeli forces remain in Gaza, primarily ensconced in a buffer zone along the interior of the Israel-Gaza border. On February 9, Palestinians could be seen from within Israel as they attempted to approach the fence. IDF soldiers opened fire on February 9 to drive back individuals who strayed too close to prohibited zones, and Gazan medics said that three Palestinians were killed in the incident.
• Majority of Displaced Palestinians Have Returned: According to UN figures published on February 5, more than 560,000 Palestinians have moved into northern Gaza since the implementation of the ceasefire. An estimated 700,000 northern Gazans were displaced during the 14 months of war that began following the Iran-backed terrorist organization brutal assault into Israel on October 7, 2023.

FDD Expert Response

“Within hours of Israel’s departure from the strategic corridor, Palestinians were already trying to up the ante by showing up near the Israeli border— a display clearly meant as a threat to residents who recalled the terrorists who surged there to carry out the Oct. 7 attack. The IDF was right to hit back hard. Hamas must not be allowed to mistake tactical concessions for capitulation.” — Mark Dubowitz, CEO

“By surrendering Netzarim, Israel may have given up one of last means of leverage over Hamas in the mediated hostage talks. Much will now depend on the outside pressure that can be mounted against the Palestinian terrorist group by the Trump administration, Gulf powers and Egypt. They must make clear that if Hamas does not relinquish power along with the remaining hostages, Israel will go back in with guns blazing – and, this time, with Washington’s unequivocal backing.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal

 “The IDF’s reported withdrawal from the Netzarim Corridor is strategic capitulation, demonstrative of the lengths Israel is willing to go to in order to return hostages safely to their homes. But make no mistake, Hamas is not swayed by goodwill in negotiations and will not disarm itself or give up its goal ratified in its founding charter of eliminating the state of Israel and massacring its Jews. As soon as the terrorist organization reconstitutes its forces, Hamas will attempt to breach the border again.” — Aaron Goren, Research Analyst and Editor

FDD Background and Analysis

“Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Visits Gaza’s Netzarim Corridor,” by Seth J. Frantzman

“Hamas Agrees to Release Three Additional Hostages as Israel Partially Lifts Netzarim Closure,” FDD Flash Brief

“‘Outside Overseers’: Gaza Ceasefire Crossing Points Crafted,” FDD Flash Brief