Israeli forces withdrew from a strategic corridor in Gaza on Sunday, marking a significant step in a ceasefire agreement with Hamas that remains fragile as talks on extending the truce face obstacles.
The withdrawal from the 4-mile (6-kilometer) Netzarim corridor, which bisects northern and southern Gaza, was part of Israel’s commitments under the ceasefire deal. The move allows for increased movement between the regions, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have returned to homes devastated by months of war.
Despite this development, negotiations on the second phase of the ceasefire—which aims to extend the truce and facilitate the release of more Israeli hostages—have stalled. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dispatched a delegation to Qatar, a key mediator in the talks. However, the inclusion of lower-level officials has raised doubts about the likelihood of a breakthrough. Netanyahu is also set to convene a Cabinet meeting this week to discuss the next steps.
The truce, which began on Jan. 19, has faced repeated challenges but has largely held. Under the agreement’s initial phase, Hamas is gradually releasing 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for a pause in fighting, the release of Palestinian prisoners, and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. Israeli forces have also pulled back from populated areas, fulfilling another condition of the deal.
The second phase of the agreement calls for the release of all remaining hostages in exchange for a full Israeli withdrawal and a “sustainable calm.” However, deep mistrust between the sides and unresolved disagreements cast doubt on the feasibility of extending the ceasefire.
Netanyahu faces pressure from hardline allies who demand a resumption of military operations to dismantle Hamas completely. Meanwhile, Israeli citizens advocating for the return of hostages are pushing for continued diplomacy.
Amid the Gaza ceasefire, violence has surged in the occupied West Bank. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that two Palestinian women in their 20s, including an eight-month pregnant woman, were fatally shot in the Nur Shams refugee camp. Israeli forces have been conducting a broad military operation in the area targeting militants.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced an expansion of operations in the West Bank, citing efforts to prevent Iran from gaining influence in the region. The Israeli military has not commented on the latest incident.
The ceasefire negotiations come as former U.S. President Donald Trump proposed relocating Gaza’s population, a suggestion widely rejected by Palestinians and Arab nations. While Israel has not dismissed the idea outright, Hamas and regional leaders have condemned it as unfeasible and morally questionable.
Netanyahu further stirred tensions by suggesting that Palestinians could establish a state in Saudi Arabia, a remark Saudi officials denounced as an attempt to deflect from alleged Israeli war crimes in Gaza.
The war, triggered by Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and resulted in 250 hostages, has devastated Gaza. More than 47,000 Palestinians have died, according to local health authorities, who do not distinguish between combatants and civilians in their count. Large swaths of the territory remain in ruins, leaving displaced Palestinians struggling to rebuild their lives.
As cars laden with belongings moved through the now-unoccupied Netzarim corridor, the fate of the ceasefire remains uncertain. Whether negotiations can produce a lasting resolution—or if conflict will resume—remains a pressing question for both sides.
