The reopening of the Netzarim corridor and the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza have ignited heated criticism within Israel, with officials labeling the move as a ‘total surrender’.
The return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza has sparked criticism in Israel, following the reopening of the Netzarim corridor and the withdrawal of Israeli forces under a ceasefire agreement.
Former Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir described the return of residents to northern Gaza as a sign of Hamas’s victory and another humiliating outcome of an “illegitimate deal.”
Speaking to Israel’s Channel 7, Ben Gvir stated, “This is not what absolute victory looks like—it is total surrender. Our soldiers did not fight and sacrifice their lives in Gaza to allow these images. We must return to war.”
Israeli Army Radio echoed similar sentiments, stating that Hamas achieved its objectives this morning with the return of residents to northern Gaza.
Palestinian resistance fighters welcome the crowds of displaced Palestinians returning to northern Gaza after the Israeli army’s withdrawal from the Netzarim Corridor. pic.twitter.com/q55F8eetgp
— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) January 27, 2025
The station added that it would be extremely difficult for Israel to resume fighting in northern Gaza after the first phase of the agreement, given that operating in a densely populated area would become nearly impossible within weeks.
The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, quoting military sources, criticized the decision to open the Netzarim corridor, stating it should have been retained as a bargaining chip due to its strategic significance for Hamas.
According to these sources, Israel paid the price of a full deal by opening the corridor without receiving its expected concessions.
At 7 am on Monday, thousands of displaced Palestinians began returning to northern Gaza after being forcibly displaced from their homes during 15 months of Israeli attacks.
Chants, music and Eid Takbeers (the chanting of ‘God is Great’) are heard as nearly one million Palestinians march north, following over 16 months of displacement and genocide. pic.twitter.com/IaEobuiuEU
— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) January 27, 2025
Meanwhile, Israel’s Channel 12 reported that the Israeli army had started withdrawing from the Netzarim corridor, which separates northern Gaza from the south.
This corridor was established by the Israeli military during its ground offensive, which began on October 27, 2023.
Israel’s withdrawal marks a critical step in the ceasefire agreement reached on January 19.
The current ceasefire, which follows more than 15 months of genocidal war, is set to last 42 days in its first phase. It paves the way for subsequent phases of negotiations.
Between October 7, 2023, and January 19, 2025, Israeli airstrikes and ground operations killed or injured over 158,000 Palestinians, with the majority being children and women. More than 14,000 remain missing.
(PC, AJA)
I try to be optomistic, but from what i’ve seen i have to say, don’t hold your breath. The scumbag ZioNazis can’t go too long without murdering babies. I hope for a lasting peace; and the total withdrawal of Wasrael from Gaza, the Middle East, the world…but, money talks. Any POTUS has one goal: funding genocide, no matter where it is. I ask myself: why is the Palestinian Authority the new Jack Boots? Regime change 101. Who will they persecute? It seems too convenient…i hope i’m wrong.