The Israeli military began a full withdrawal from a sprawling security zone within the central Gaza Strip as part of a cease-fire agreement with Hamas. The withdrawal leaves Israel with a small footprint inside the enclave as the two sides look toward extending the deal that would end the war and release the remaining Israeli hostages. The corridor has long been seen by analysts and officials in Israel as a key piece of leverage for Israel to use in hostage talks with Hamas. Israel’s military has told the government that it can afford to withdraw from these strategic points to facilitate the release of hostages because it can retake them. Israel still maintains a troop presence along the border between Gaza and Egypt, and is currently keeping troops on the periphery of the enclave.

Read more: https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/israel-begins-pulling-out-of-gaza-corridor-as-part-of-cease-fire-deal-a387b8a9?mod=world_lead_pos3