Israel will not withdraw from the Philadelphi corridor as per the ceasefire agreement with Hamas, citing national security concerns. The Israeli government maintains that this measure is necessary to prevent smuggling and attacks from Hamas. This decision could destabilize the fragile ceasefire and impact relations with Egypt, the mediator of the agreement.
Israel has confirmed that it will not withdraw from the Philadelphi corridor, which serves as the border between Egypt and Gaza, despite stipulations in the ceasefire agreement negotiated with Hamas. An Israeli official stated, “We will not allow Hamas murderers to once again roam our borders with pickup trucks and guns, and we will not allow them to rebuild strength from smuggling.” This stance represents a significant sticking point in the fragile negotiations that were ongoing before the current ceasefire was established.
Originally, Israel was expected to initiate its withdrawal from the corridor as part of the ceasefire agreement. This withdrawal was set to begin on Saturday, coinciding with the end of the first phase of the ceasefire, and to be completed within eight days. Hamas views the management of this corridor as a critical issue, rejecting ceasefire proposals that do not include the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the area.
Israeli officials have expressed the necessity of maintaining military presence in the Philadelphi corridor to prevent the smuggling of weapons from Egypt back into Gaza. Defense Minister Israel Katz highlighted concerns over the existence of tunnels penetrating the border area during recent discussions with local leaders.
There has been internal division in Israel regarding the decision to stay in the corridor. Former Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant opposed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s position, asserting that such military presence is essential for security. In contrast, then-Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi indicated that maintaining control of Gaza and the corridor should not be conditions that impede a deal with Hamas, suggesting that the military could operate effectively even without a presence in these areas.
As the first phase of the ceasefire comes to a close, the situation remains dynamic, with potential repercussions for relations between Israel, Hamas, and Egypt, the principal mediator in these discussions. Updates are expected as developments unfold.
In summary, Israel’s refusal to withdraw from the Philadelphi corridor poses significant implications for the fragile ceasefire with Hamas and negotiations with Egypt. The Israeli government justifies its stance as necessary for national security, while internal dissent regarding this approach illustrates the complexities of the situation. The ongoing developments will likely affect the future of peace efforts in the region.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
