Hamas announced that Israeli troops have withdrawn from the Netzarim Corridor, which separates the northern and southern Gaza Strip, in central Gaza Strip in accordance with the ceasefire agreement that came into force on January 19.

Following the withdrawal of Israeli forces, Hamas-led police forces have been deployed in the area to control the passage of Palestinians.

Israel was to partially withdraw from the corridor on January 25 and allow Palestinians to return to the northern Gaza Strip via the coastal road during the first phase of the ceasefire and prisoner swap agreement but their withdrawal was postponed to January 27 due to a dispute over prisoner swaps.