News
Israel Withdraws from Gaza’s Netzarim Corridor as Ceasefire Deal Progresses
Israel has completed its withdrawal from the Netzarim Corridor, a strategic road that bisected Gaza, fulfilling a key commitment under its ceasefire agreement with Hamas. The move marks a significant step in the ongoing negotiations, allowing displaced Palestinians to cross the corridor freely for the first time in months.
Palestinians Return to the North Amid Destruction
As Israeli troops vacated the area, thousands of Palestinians began crossing the corridor—some on foot, others in vehicles, and even by donkey. However, travelers still faced challenges, including checkpoint inspections and navigating the devastation left by months of fighting.
“I was displaced a long time ago,” said Osama Saleem, a Palestinian waiting for his vehicle to be checked. “I have seen people arriving on this road, sometimes even sleeping on it while waiting for the Israeli army to withdraw. I hope the Israeli army withdraws from all of Gaza and that life returns to normal.”
The Netzarim Corridor, a six-kilometer stretch of land cutting across Gaza, was under Israeli control since the early days of the war. Hamas declared the withdrawal a victory, stating: “The withdrawal of the Zionist occupation army from the Netzarim axis is a victory for the will of our people.”
Although Israel has not officially confirmed the withdrawal, journalists on the ground reported no Israeli presence at the corridor by Sunday.
Ceasefire Agreement and Hostage Releases
The pullout is part of Israel’s commitments under the fragile ceasefire and hostage agreement, which has seen the release of 16 hostages so far, out of a promised 33. On Saturday, Israel secured the release of three hostages—Ohad Ben Ami, Eli Sharabi, and Or Levy—in exchange for 183 Palestinian prisoners. However, images of the freed hostages appearing frail and malnourished have sparked outrage in Israel.
The ceasefire deal remains uncertain as negotiations continue. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed hesitation about moving forward with the next phases, which could require a full military withdrawal from Gaza. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has even threatened to resign if the ceasefire continues.
An Israeli delegation is set to travel to Doha for further negotiations, though officials described it as a “mid-level” team discussing technical details rather than making binding decisions.
Tensions Persist Despite Withdrawal
Despite the withdrawal, violence has not ceased. Just hours later, Israeli forces opened fire on civilians near Nahal Oz, close to Gaza’s northern border. Palestinian officials reported three people killed and others wounded. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated it had fired warning shots at suspects approaching the border, acknowledging that several hits were identified but without confirming civilian casualties.
Meanwhile, in the occupied West Bank, Israel announced an expansion of military operations. Palestinian health officials reported that Israeli troops shot and killed a pregnant woman on Sunday, though Israel has not yet commented on the incident.
Uncertain Future for Gaza’s Ceasefire
As international mediators work to stabilize the ceasefire, the next phase of negotiations will determine whether Israel fully withdraws from Gaza and whether the remaining hostages will be released. With Netanyahu under pressure from both hardliners and international allies, the ceasefire’s future remains in doubt.
News
Investigation Underway After Goa Nightclub Fire Kills at Least 25
Authorities in the Indian state of Goa have opened an investigation into a nightclub fire that killed at least 25 people, including several tourists, in one of the region’s most popular party districts. Six others were injured in the blaze, which broke out shortly after midnight in Arpora, a nightlife hub about 25 kilometres from the state capital, Panaji.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the death toll in a statement posted on X, saying the victims included many of the club’s kitchen staff and a small number of visiting tourists. He added that all the injured were in stable condition and receiving medical treatment. Rescue teams recovered all bodies from the site.
Early reports from local police, cited by the Press Trust of India, indicated that a gas cylinder explosion triggered the fire. Witnesses, however, told the agency that the blaze appeared to start on the club’s first floor, where nearly 100 tourists were dancing at the time. As smoke and flames swept through the building, many people ran toward the lower floor, where they became trapped along with staff members.
Sawant said a formal inquiry would determine the exact cause and whether the club complied with fire safety regulations. He pledged strict action against anyone found responsible, writing on X that any negligence uncovered by investigators would be “dealt with firmly”.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as patrons attempted to flee the burning building. “We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames,” said Fatima Shaikh, who was inside when the fire began.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences in a message on X, calling the incident “deeply saddening” and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
Local media reported that the club’s location along the Arpora River backwaters posed challenges for emergency crews. A narrow approach road forced fire engines to park about 400 metres from the entrance, slowing their response. Reports also revealed that the building had previously received a demolition notice after officials found it lacked a construction permit. That order was later withdrawn by senior state authorities, according to Arpora councillor Roshan Redkar.
Incidents involving gas cylinders and electrical faults are not unusual in India and often lead to heavy casualties, prompting renewed calls for stronger enforcement of safety standards. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the tragedy as a “criminal failure of safety and governance” and urged a transparent investigation to establish accountability and prevent future disasters.
The probe into the fire is expected to assess structural safety, emergency exits and compliance with existing regulations as authorities work to piece together how the late-night gathering turned into one of the deadliest incidents in the state in recent years.
News
White House Unveils “Media Hall of Shame” Portal as Attacks on Press Intensify
News
Russia Launches Massive Overnight Barrage on Ukraine as Peace Talks With U.S. Continue
-
Entertainment1 year agoMeta Acquires Tilda Swinton VR Doc ‘Impulse: Playing With Reality’
-
Business2 years agoSaudi Arabia’s Model for Sustainable Aviation Practices
-
Business2 years agoRecent Developments in Small Business Taxes
-
Home Improvement1 year agoEffective Drain Cleaning: A Key to a Healthy Plumbing System
-
Politics2 years agoWho was Ebrahim Raisi and his status in Iranian Politics?
-
Business1 year agoCarrectly: Revolutionizing Car Care in Chicago
-
Sports1 year agoKeely Hodgkinson Wins Britain’s First Athletics Gold at Paris Olympics in 800m
-
Business1 year agoSaudi Arabia: Foreign Direct Investment Rises by 5.6% in Q1
