Israel has announced it will not withdraw from the Philadelphi corridor, crucial for border security, despite a ceasefire agreement with Hamas. This decision may escalate tensions with Hamas and Egypt, which serves as a mediator. The first phase of the ceasefire concludes imminently, prompting ongoing developments in negotiations.
Israel has reaffirmed its decision not to withdraw from the Philadelphi corridor, which separates Egypt and Gaza, despite obligations stated in the recent ceasefire agreement with Hamas. An Israeli official emphasized that allowing Hamas to rearm and operate freely would not be tolerated, stating that Israel will prioritize security by preventing smuggling activities across its borders.
The Philadelphi corridor has long been a contentious issue in Israel-Hamas negotiations, and Israel’s refusal to withdraw may heighten tensions with both Hamas and Egypt, who acts as a mediator in the ceasefire. The scheduled withdrawal was supposed to commence on Saturday, marking the end of the first phase of the ceasefire, with completion planned within eight days.
Hamas has drawn a firm line on this matter, asserting that any ceasefire agreements must include the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the corridor, which they see as critical to their control. Israeli officials argue that maintaining a military presence is essential to thwart arms smuggling from Egypt back into Gaza, despite recent successes in demolishing tunnels in the region.
While some Israeli leaders, including former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, have opposed the notion of remaining in the corridor as a security measure, the current Defense Minister Israel Katz has claimed to have observed recent breaches in the border tunnels. Furthermore, former IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi has indicated that Israel should not anchor its negotiations with Hamas on retaining control of any part of Gaza or the corridor itself, advocating a more flexible approach.
As the first phase of the ceasefire agreement comes to a close on Saturday, the situation remains fluid and further updates are expected as the negotiations progress.
In summary, Israel will not withdraw from the Philadelphi corridor as outlined in the ceasefire agreement with Hamas, prioritizing border security. This decision poses potential challenges to the ceasefire’s stability and relations with Hamas and Egypt. The situation remains dynamic, with various Israeli leaders expressing differing opinions on military strategy in the region.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
