Israeli troops yesterday withdrew from a four-mile strip—the Netzarim Corridor—that divides northern and southern Gaza as part of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas. Israeli forces are now limited to a southern area near Egypt's border and a buffer zone along the Israeli border to the north and east.
The ceasefire began Jan. 19 and is in its first 42-day phase. Hamas has been gradually releasing hostages in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. So far, 16 hostages have been freed, including three over the weekend, in exchange for 566 Palestinian prisoners. Negotiations for the second phase are underway in Qatar to extend the truce and secure the release of more hostages. However, challenges remain over differing demands for a long-term agreement.
Separately, neighboring Lebanon formed its first full government in over two years, marking a shift away from Hezbollah's influence and aiming to address the country's economic crisis and rebuild war-torn areas.
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