Hamas Declares ‘Victory’ As Palestinians Return To North Gaza, Israel ‘Withdraws’ From Netzarim

On 27 January 2025, Israel announced that Palestinians could return to northern Gaza following an agreement with Hamas for the release of six hostages. Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee confirmed that movement through the Netzarim Corridor would be permitted from 7 am on foot and from 9 am for vehicles, provided no fighters or weapons were transported. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that three hostages would be released on 27 January, with three more set for release on 30 January and 1 February, under a ceasefire deal negotiated with Hamas. Meanwhile, the Wafa news agency reported a shooting near Zalafa, Israel, leaving two dead and one critically injured. Separately, US President Donald Trump proposed relocating Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan, sparking widespread condemnation from Palestinian leaders, Arab countries and the Arab League, who labelled the idea as ethnic cleansing. n18oc_world n18oc_crux