Israeli Army Reduces Troop Presence in Gaza, Withdraws from Netzarim Corridor

The Israeli army has significantly reduced its military presence in the Gaza Strip, withdrawing from the Netzarim Corridor in central Gaza and downsizing its forces to just two divisions, according to reports from Anadolu Agency. This marks the smallest Israeli troop deployment in Gaza since the war began on October 7, 2023.

The withdrawal from the Netzarim Corridor, which separates northern Gaza from the south, was completed early Sunday. The corridor had been under Israeli control for over a year and three months. The move comes amid a ceasefire that has been in place since January 19, temporarily halting a devastating conflict that has claimed nearly 48,200 lives and left much of Gaza in ruins.

Israel’s Army Radio reported that the 99th Reserve Division and the Harel Reserve Brigade have been released from their missions in Gaza, further reducing the military’s footprint in the enclave. Currently, the Israeli army’s 162nd Division maintains control over a section of the northern buffer zone inside Gaza, citing the need to protect nearby Israeli settlements. Meanwhile, the Gaza Division oversees the southern buffer zone and the Philadelphi Corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border.

The reduction in troop numbers follows months of intense international scrutiny and legal challenges against Israel’s actions in Gaza. In November, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over its military operations in the enclave.

The ceasefire, brokered by Egypt and Qatar, has provided a temporary respite from the violence, but the underlying tensions remain unresolved. The withdrawal of troops and the downsizing of forces could signal a shift in Israel’s military strategy, though the continued control of key buffer zones suggests a cautious approach to maintaining security along its borders.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with widespread destruction of infrastructure and a severe lack of essential supplies. The ceasefire has allowed limited aid to enter the enclave, but recovery efforts are hampered by the scale of devastation and ongoing restrictions.

As the Israeli army scales back its presence, questions linger about the future of the ceasefire and the prospects for a lasting resolution to the conflict. The international community continues to call for accountability and a sustainable peace plan, but with deep-rooted mistrust between the parties, the path forward remains uncertain.

For now, the reduced military presence offers a glimmer of hope for stability, but the scars of war and the challenges of rebuilding Gaza underscore the long road ahead for both Israelis and Palestinians.