Give the scale of destruction, destitution and demolitions in Gaza and the West Bank, any step towards so called normalcy from the fascist, Zionist regime should be viewed with skepticism instead of taken at face value. This includes the Israeli recent withdrawal from the Netzarim Corridor which is being touted as it’s so called ‘commitment’ to the latest ceasefire. In truth, this withdrawal is yet another operational technique and regrouping strategy from the Netanyahu regime to carry on with its killing sprees on occupied Palestinian territory. This withdrawal will also not reverse the palpable, visible and pronounced anti-Israeli sentiment brewing in major capitals across the world.

 It is important to view all Israeli moves towards normalcy as cosmetic and strategic rather than with sincerity.

Partial Withdrawal Comes Amid Genocidal Intent

The occupation forces withdrew from the strategic corridor dividing the north and south of Gaza as part of a ceasefire plan. However, this has not been followed up by a permanent pause in crackdowns or genocide.

The Netzarim corridor is a four-mile strip of land that the Israelis set up as a military zone to continue with its crackdowns in Gaza and while it’s 2025 withdrawal was followed by allowing Palestinians to cross the corridor, the Israelis continue to violate the central tenets of the ceasefire by claiming that it will not withdraw completely from Gaza. Instead, it has conditioned its complete withdrawal with the ‘political capabilities’ of Hamas. Also, this withdrawal comes as the West Bank is being pounded with raids from the occupation forces, displacing more than 35,000 Palestinians in the process. The genocidal intent is hence, clear and western countries vouching for Israel’s right to self- defense should clearly introspect as there is no sincere intention from Netanyahu to keep the ceasefire agreement afloat. Countries serious about adhering to ceasefires do not embark on concomitant killing sprees nor do they agree to partial withdrawals based on political convenience or expediency. In fact, Israel’s strategy stands in stark contrast to Hamas after the ceasefire agreement, as it has been swift with releasing hostages.

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The lack of seriousness from the Israelis is also exemplified in the delegation that Netanyahu sent to Qatar. The delegation consisted of low-level Israeli officials negotiating to secure a truce which again raises questions about the Israelis' actual intention of abiding by or securing a ceasefire. In essence, any expectation to the contrary will be a distortion of reality.  

the Israelis also violated a long list of UN Security Council resolutions with impunity and any resolution which condemns its atrocities has been wantonly vetoed by its prime benefactor, the United States. To expect a state which was built on genocide, occupation, theft and plundering to abide by a ceasefire in 2025 is therefore, unrealistic. The Israelis' actual intentions are best exemplified in gunmen shooting two Palestinian women in their 20s in the West Bank of which one of them was expecting .This again, was concomitant with the Netzarim withdrawal.

Part of such apathy and impunity can be attributed to the White House making inflammatory statements, emboldening Netanyahu to push for further genocide. Donald Trump’s suggestion that the United States will take over Gaza, clear out its inhabitants, while calling on Arab countries such as Jordan and Egypt to take them in, is allowing the Netanyahu administration to carry on with its brutal crackdowns while simultaneously suggesting that Tel Aviv is abiding by the ceasefire.

This hypocritical approach is made worse by internal enablers as well. Far-right political allies in the Netanyahu government are seen pushing for a resumption of genocide in Gaza after the first phase of the ceasefire ends while average Israelis fed up with Netanyahu’s inability to secure the release of hostages are also pushing for a more assertive response. These domestic variables clearly suggest that the Israelis will not be interested in securing a long-term ceasefire with Hamas but is only buying time for political gain.

Reversing the Tide of Anti-Israel Sentiment Simply Impossible

Based on public sentiment analysis however, it is clear that the Israelis is currently the most hated country in the world. From campus protests in American varsities to countries such as Ireland refusing to be silenced by Zionist bigotry, the Israelis are losing their influence across continents. Barring the United States and its allies such as Germany and the United Kingdom, most countries including Norway, Bolivia and Spain are vouching for Palestinian independence and denouncing crimes against humanity. Even the Israeli prime benefactor, the United States with its previous Biden administration, is being heckled by the American public with similar flak also expected as Trump seeks to cement the Israeli occupation.

To simply withdraw and (that too conditionally), from the Netzarim corridor is not credible. Netanyahu’s actual nefarious agenda of eliminating Palestinians continues to be on full show in the West Bank and Gaza.

This move is to buy more time.