IOF withdraw from Netzarim Axis in Gaza under deal
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Al Mayadeen's correspondent in the Gaza Strip confirmed the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the Netzarim Axis, alongside the ongoing return of residents from the southern to the northern parts of the Strip.
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Displaced Palestinians walk on a road in central Gaza to return to their homes in the northern Gaza Strip, following the ceasefire deal, on January 31, 2025. (AP)
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in the Gaza Strip reported on Sunday that the occupation completed its withdrawal from the Netzarim Axis southwest of Gaza City, indicating that the return of the residents of the Strip through the crossing from the south to the north will continue, as per the ceasefire agreement with the Palestinian Resistance.
Israeli forces have completely withdrawn from the Netzarim Axis, beginning at the coastal point in the west, passing through the devastated area of al-Maghraqa, and extending to Salah al-Din Street.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported that the withdrawal left extensive destruction in its wake. He also observed a noticeable increase in vehicle movement toward the north on Sunday morning, with vehicles continuing to undergo inspections via security scanning devices.
Notably, the Israeli occupation had initially insisted on maintaining control over the Netzarim Axis, even if the war ceased, due to its strategic importance in dividing the Gaza Strip into northern and southern sections and the perceived significance of its presence in the area.
Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth indicated earlier that the Netzarim Axis was an important element in the settlers’ ambitions to return to settlement in the northern Gaza Strip.
Approximately two weeks ago, as displaced residents of southern Gaza started returning to their homes in the north, Israeli Channel 14 reported that soldiers withdrew from Netzarim in tears, expressing a sense of futility over their efforts in Gaza during the past year.
In this context, the resigned Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir previously considered that the opening of the Netzarim Axis and the entry of tens of thousands of Gazans into the northern Gaza Strip were images of victory for Hamas and an additional humiliating part of the deal.
Palestinians Regain Access to Northern Gaza
The withdrawal follows the IOF's recent retreat from the northern part of the corridor, which had cut off thousands of displaced Palestinians from their homes. In response, Palestinians have begun returning to northern Gaza using:
- The coastal road that had been blocked for months by occupation forces.
- The Salah a-Din road, where vehicles are now allowed to pass for the first time since the invasion.
