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In line with the hostage deal framework and directives from Israel’s political leadership, the IDF began a gradual withdrawal on Saturday night from its last positions along the Netzarim Corridor, a strategic route cutting through the Gaza Strip.
A video circulating on social media captured an officer addressing his troops over the radio, assuring them that the move is temporary. "We will return here, don’t worry. Hamas is regrouping, and so are we," he said. He added, "We will bring back all the hostages, the Trump Plan will be implemented, and we will return to settle all the communities here."
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IDF forces leaving Netzarim Corridor
At the same time, footage emerged showing IDF troops burning equipment at evacuated outposts to prevent it from falling into Hamas’ hands. The IDF has not yet commented on the video.
Hamas officials celebrated the withdrawal, framing it as a major victory. The head of Hamas’ governmental media office told Qatar’s Al-Araby network that the IDF’s departure from the corridor "will restore movement between Gaza’s governorates." He added, "This is one of the most important achievements of our people. International organizations have begun gradually returning to northern Gaza. We have renovated the UNRWA headquarters to resume aid work there and expect its workers to return now."
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Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri called the withdrawal "humiliating" for Israel, claiming it represents "Netanyahu’s defeat and failure to achieve his goals or maintain his hold on Gaza." He compared it to Israel’s 2005 disengagement from Gaza under then-prime minister Ariel Sharon, saying, "Sharon once said, ‘Netzarim is like Tel Aviv,’ but these invasions repeat themselves, and the result is the same—Gaza remains resilient."
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Palestinians return to northern Gaza as IDF withdraws from Netzarim Corridor
(Photo: REUTERS/Dawoud Abu Alkas)
The Netzarim Corridor, previously controlled by the IDF’s 36th Division, was the last military barrier separating northern and southern Gaza. With the withdrawal complete, only the 162nd Division remains in the buffer zone.
The process of evacuating the corridor began about last month, starting with an IDF withdrawal from its western section, allowing over half a million Palestinians to return from southern Gaza to Gaza City. Alongside the military’s pullback, an American security firm has been deployed to the area to screen individuals arriving by vehicle or on foot.