JERUSALEM — A potential agreement with Hamas may see the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) withdraw once again to the security perimeter Israel held in January 2025, according to sources cited by The Jerusalem Post.
In January, the IDF had pulled back from deeper areas inside Gaza City, Khan Yunis, Rafah, and central Gaza, establishing a buffer zone of approximately 700 to 1,100 meters along the Israel-Gaza border.
Now, the possible deal under negotiation would restore a similar configuration, with the IDF holding a perimeter of around 1,100–1,200 meters—despite the fact that, since the renewed hostilities in March, the IDF has regained control of approximately 75% of Gaza.
Key points:
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Morag Corridor: There has been internal debate within Israeli leadership about maintaining the Morag Corridor, a strategic route that splits Khan Yunis from Rafah in the south. Some officials suggest this could be part of the retained buffer zone in any ceasefire or hostage agreement.
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Hostage leverage: Israel's deeper control into Gaza has been used as leverage to pressure Hamas into releasing the remaining Israeli hostages.
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Philadelphi Corridor: Unlike negotiations in summer 2024, Israel has reportedly succeeded in maintaining control of the Philadelphi Corridor—a key route along the Egypt-Gaza border that Hamas had strongly opposed ceding.
While no final deal has been confirmed, the discussions signal a possible shift back to earlier military positions as part of broader ceasefire and hostage release negotiations.
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