Description: Israeli military forces have withdrawn from the Netzarim Corridor which effectively cut the Gaza Strip northern parts from the eastern parts of the enclave. The withdrawal comes as a response to the ongoing ceasefire agreement terms negotiated between Israel and Hamas. Delegations from Israel were expected to arrive later during next week in Qatar where an apparent continuation of the ceasefire agreement would be moderated by Qatari diplomats. Recent statements from US President Donald Trump regarding the annexation and modernization of Gaza have inflamed the Israel – Hamas conflict with disapproval and negative feedback from the Arab countries.
Impact: Ever since President Donald Trump returned to the White House tensions have been high as the US has continuously plunged into sequestration of assets, and assertive and aggressive foreign policy. The indicated annexation of the Gaza Strip by the US received strenuous negative comments as it was perceived as actual ethnic cleansing of the enclave. The withdrawal of Israeli military forces from the Netzarim Corridor indicates on possible willingness to continue talks with Hamas through Qatari mediation which would effectively put a stop to their military campaign. With the fragile state of affairs regarding the ceasefire agreement, its continuation is mostly dependent on the diplomatic savviness of the Qatar mediation as well as Hamas and Israel’s political will to bring peace to the region, as a priority before their subjective regional interests.