The Netzarim Corridor is a passageway constructed by Israel for military and strategic purposes, dividing the Gaza Strip into northern and southern sections. The corridor extends approximately 7 kilometers from east to west, running from south of Nahal Oz to the Mediterranean Sea. It was established during Israel’s military operations in Gaza following October 7, 2023. By severing the connection between northern and southern Gaza, the corridor restricted the movement of

Palestinians.

_{The Netzarim Corridor, March 20, 2025 - Anadolu Agency}

On February 9, 2025, Israel withdrew from the Netzarim Corridor, allowing Palestinians to travel north again. However, the region's infrastructure had been severely damaged. Over a 15-month period, thousands of Palestinians were killed or injured by Israeli forces in the corridor.

History and Construction

During its ground invasion of Gaza on October 27, 2023, the Israeli military created the Netzarim Corridor to cut off the connection between the north and south. Along the corridor runs Highway 749, with a buffer zone of approximately one kilometer surrounding the road. The corridor passes through the land of the former Netzarim Jewish settlement, which was evacuated in 2005.

During the corridor’s construction, extensive destruction took place. Farmlands and residential areas were demolished. The Turkish Hospital, Al-Azhar University campus, Juhr al-Dik village, and several public buildings were destroyed. Palestinian civilians were prevented from crossing the corridor, and those who attempted to do so were killed.

Purpose of the Netzarim Corridor

The Netzarim Corridor is part of Israel’s military strategy in Gaza. According to official Israeli statements, its purpose was to ensure the continuity of military operations, restrict Hamas’ mobility, and enhance security in the region.

However, Palestinian authorities and international observers argue that the corridor’s actual purpose was to divide Gaza, restrict Palestinian civilians' freedom of movement, and turn Gaza into a fragmented territory.

Israel’s Withdrawal from Netzarim Corridor

As part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, the Israeli military withdrew from the Netzarim Corridor on February 9, 2025. After Israel retreated towards the border, the full extent of the destruction to infrastructure, homes, and facilities was revealed.

In central Gaza, the areas of Juhr al-Dik, Al-Mughraqa, Nuseirat, and the Zeitoun neighborhood were leveled due to Israeli bombardment and bulldozer operations. Following Israel’s withdrawal, thousands of Palestinians moved northward.

_{Palestinians make a two-way crossing through the “Netzarim Corridor”, February 10, 2025 - Anadolu Agency}

Israel’s Return to the Netzarim Corridor

After breaking the ceasefire and resuming attacks, the Israeli military re-entered the Netzarim Corridor on March 20, 2025, launching a new ground operation.Israel’s Arabic-language military spokesperson Avichay Adraee announced on social media that Palestinians in the area should evacuate and warned civilians to avoid certain locations.

Israeli forces have been conducting targeted assaults in the Netzarim Corridor to reassert control over the region. As military activity intensifies, Palestinian movement between the north and south has once again been restricted.