PNN – A strategic and military affairs expert has explained the significance of the Israeli forces’ complete withdrawal from the Netzarim corridor in the Gaza Strip.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network, citing Shehab News Agency, military and strategic affairs expert Fayez Al-Duwairi highlighted the Israeli occupation forces’ withdrawal from the Netzarim corridor, describing it as a strategic shift in the battle. He stated that Israel failed in its attempt to divide the Gaza Strip and establish control over its northern regions.
He added that the occupying forces aimed for a permanent presence in Gaza but were forced to retreat due to battlefield developments and political pressure.
Al-Duwairi emphasized that the occupation forces had expanded the Netzarim corridor, increasing its length to 80 kilometers and its width to six to seven kilometers. They also established military facilities there, but most of these installations were easily dismantled, indicating that the possibility of withdrawal had been considered from the start.
He further stated that the recent agreement compelled the occupying forces to leave Netzarim, and they would also be unable to maintain a presence in the Salah al-Din corridor (Philadelphi Route) or the buffer zone in southern Gaza. Israel’s initial plan was to dominate northern Gaza, but Palestinian resistance disrupted its calculations.
Al-Duwairi noted that Israeli forces had attempted to delay or stall their withdrawal from the Netzarim corridor, but ultimately, they were forced to evacuate the area early on Sunday, marking the 22nd day of the ceasefire agreement.
Discussing the implications of this retreat, he explained that the withdrawal would facilitate Palestinian civilians’ movement. More importantly, it signifies the restoration of Palestinian sovereignty over the area and the Gaza Strip as a whole. He stressed that the current reality starkly contrasts with Israel’s initial expectations.
Al-Duwairi asserted that Israel’s withdrawal is not merely a military maneuver but carries significant political and strategic consequences, proving the failure of Israel’s vision for Gaza. It also underscores that both resistance and negotiations can reshape the balance of power.
Meanwhile, Israeli analyst Roee Sharon told Israel’s Kan news channel that after the evacuation of the Netzarim corridor, Israel has lost a major bargaining chip in the ongoing conflict. “Israel is retreating from the Netzarim corridor, and as a result, more Palestinian prisoners will be released. The Prime Minister no longer holds leverage against Hamas,” he said.
Additionally, Israeli media outlet Yedioth Ahronoth reported that the areas from which Israeli forces are withdrawing are located east of Salah al-Din Street, meaning that the Israeli army will no longer have a presence in central and northern Gaza— except for the 162nd Division, which remains stationed along the buffer zone.
The report acknowledged that the Netzarim corridor had been a strategic point for Israeli military maneuvers and was of great importance to settlers seeking to establish settlements in northern Gaza.