The IDF took possession of Netzarim again during Operation Cast Lead and entered with 150 Merkava and other military vehicles on January 4, 2009. The reoccupation of Netzarim effectively separated Gaza City from southern Gaza Strip, weakening Hamas' control of the region. On the early morning of January 12, troops stationed at Netzarim began their northward push into Gaza City's Sheikh Ijlin neighborhood. When a ceasefire was declared by Israel on January 17, the IDF gradually evacuated the site. References Populated places established in 1972 Former Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip Religious Israeli settlements Nahal settlements Gaza War (2008–2009) Villages depopulated during the Arab–Israeli conflict