An Israeli source has confirmed that the nation will not withdraw its military forces from the Gaza-Egypt border, despite expectations of a potential withdrawal in early March if the ceasefire is extended. The decision underscores Israel’s commitment to preventing Hamas from resourcing their operations through border smuggling.
According to a source within Israel, the nation will maintain its military presence along the Gaza-Egypt border and will not commence withdrawal operations. Although a military retreat was anticipated to begin in early March, contingent on the extension of the current ceasefire set to expire on Saturday, this source indicated otherwise. An official statement conveyed to Israeli media asserted, “We will not exit the Philadelphi Corridor,” which spans 14 kilometers (8 miles) along the border.
The Israeli military initially took charge of the Philadelphi Corridor in May and was expected to withdraw during a potential second phase of a truce agreement. However, there is currently uncertainty regarding whether negotiations for this second phase have commenced. The Israeli military has emphasized its intent to prevent Hamas from gaining advantages through smuggling operations, reinforcing its position on border security.
In summary, Israel has decided not to withdraw its military from the Gaza-Egypt border, signaling a continued strategy to counter threats posed by Hamas. This decision comes amidst ongoing discussions about a ceasefire and the potential for future agreements. The implications of such a move on regional security remain to be fully understood as negotiations progress.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
