Israel will not withdraw from the Philadelphi corridor as required by the ceasefire with Hamas. An Israeli official emphasized concerns regarding security and smuggling. The corridor’s management is a critical issue for Hamas, and Israel’s decision could risk tensions with both Hamas and Egypt. Uneasy discussions among Israeli leaders highlight differing views on the necessity of military presence in the area, complicating ceasefire efforts.
Israel has confirmed that it will not withdraw from the Philadelphi corridor, which serves as the border between Egypt and Gaza, despite a stipulation in the ceasefire agreement with Hamas. An Israeli official expressed concerns, stating, “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 decision may provoke tensions with Hamas and Egypt, both of which play critical roles in maintaining the fragile truce.
The Philadelphi corridor was a crucial topic in the negotiations leading to the ceasefire, and Israel was expected to start its withdrawal on Saturday, coinciding with the conclusion of the first phase of the ceasefire arrangement. The completion of the withdrawal was planned within an eight-day timeline. Hamas has established strict conditions regarding the management of this corridor, making it a non-negotiable point in their ceasefire proposals.
Israeli military officials believe that maintaining a presence in the Philadelphi corridor is essential for preventing the smuggling of weapons into Gaza through the Egyptian border, despite previous success in destroying numerous tunnels in the area. Defense Minister Israel Katz noted that on a recent visit, he discovered tunnels encroaching on Israel’s border.
Former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant openly disagreed with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s stance on remaining in the corridor, arguing that it is not necessary for national security and military objectives. Moreover, the former Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, Herzi Halevi, suggested that retaining control over Gaza or the corridor should not serve as pretexts for disregarding potential agreements with Hamas. He asserted that the Israeli army is capable of operating effectively without being stationed in these territories.
The first phase of the ceasefire is scheduled to conclude on Saturday. This situation is still evolving, and further updates will continue to arise as events unfold.
Israel’s refusal to withdraw from the Philadelphi corridor as mandated by the ceasefire agreement poses the potential for escalated tensions with both Hamas and Egypt. The corridor’s management is pivotal for Hamas, indicating that their operational freedom is at stake. Despite differing views within Israeli leadership on the military necessity of maintaining a presence in the corridor, the current government remains firm in its position, heightening the complexities surrounding the fragile ceasefire arrangements.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
