Israeli forces withdrew from a key corridor in Gaza on Sunday in the latest commitment under a tenuous ceasefire, while shock over freed emaciated hostages renewed pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to extend the truce beyond the first phase ending three weeks from now.

The withdrawal from the Netzarim corridor removes one of Israel’s bargaining chips as it moves toward negotiating a full end to the war.

Israeli troops have withdrawn from the Netzarim Corridor - a military zone cutting off the north of the Gaza Strip from the south. Hundreds of Palestinians in cars and on carts laden with mattresses and other goods began returning to northern Gaza following the pull-out - often to scenes of utter destruction.