Israel has stated it will not withdraw its forces from the Gaza-Egypt border, a key condition of the second phase of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, even as it prepares for further negotiations in Cairo, as reported by CNN.
Israel’s stance on the Philadelphi Corridor
An Israeli source told CNN that the military would maintain control over the Philadelphi Corridor, the 14-kilometer strip along the Gaza-Egypt border, to prevent Hamas from smuggling weapons into the region. “We will not allow Hamas murderers to roam again with trucks and rifles on our borders, and we will not let them strengthen themselves again through smuggling,” the source stated.
Hamas responded by calling Israel’s refusal to withdraw a “clear violation of the ceasefire agreement,” accusing it of attempting to derail the truce negotiations.
Ceasefire agreement faces obstacles
The refusal to withdraw comes as the first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement nears expiration. This phase has already resulted in the release of 38 hostages held by Hamas and thousands of Palestinian detainees held by Israel.
Under the terms of the second phase, Israel would be required to withdraw all its forces from Gaza, including from the border region. In return, Hamas would release all living hostages. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made clear his reluctance to fully exit Gaza, preferring instead to extend the first phase of the ceasefire for as long as possible.
Negotiations continue in Cairo
On Thursday, Israel sent a negotiating delegation to Cairo to continue discussions on the ceasefire. Delegations from Israel, Qatar, and the United States have also arrived in Cairo to participate in the talks, according to Egypt’s state information services.
However, the absence of Ron Dermer, Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister and lead negotiator, signals that these discussions may not address the broader second-phase agreement but rather focus on extending the first phase to secure the release of more hostages without committing to a full withdrawal from Gaza.
Political divisions in Israel
Netanyahu’s approach has sparked internal political tensions. Benny Gantz, a former military chief and political rival, accused the prime minister of prioritizing political interests over national security. “The interest of the State of Israel is to bring back as many hostages as quickly as possible,” Gantz said, criticizing the government’s preference for incremental exchanges over a comprehensive agreement.
Hamas, on the other hand, has insisted that Israel’s withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor was supposed to begin on the 42nd day of the ceasefire and conclude by March 9. The militant
group warned that any attempt by Netanyahu’s government to obstruct the agreement “will only lead to more suffering for the prisoners and their families.”
Future of the ceasefire
With the second phase of the ceasefire hinging on Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza, the situation remains uncertain. Netanyahu maintains that controlling the Gaza-Egypt border is essential for Israeli security, despite pressure from international mediators to move forward with a comprehensive peace deal.
Egypt, a key mediator in the truce negotiations, has yet to publicly comment on Israel’s refusal to withdraw. Meanwhile, the ceasefire’s future remains in jeopardy as both sides brace for further diplomatic and military developments.
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