Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Wednesday that Israel will only agree to a permanent ceasefire in Gaza if it is assured that the Philadelphi corridor, along the Gaza-Egypt border, will not be used by Hamas for weapon smuggling. This corridor has been a significant barrier to halting the fighting and negotiating the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
In a press conference in Jerusalem, Netanyahu firmly stated that Israel will maintain its presence in the Philadelphi corridor until a reliable solution is implemented. He emphasized that without guarantees that the corridor will be secured from Hamas, Israel cannot consider a withdrawal.
The prime minister rejected the idea of withdrawing from the corridor in the initial 42-day phase of a ceasefire deal. He argued that international pressure could prevent Israel from regaining control if necessary, making it impractical to negotiate its withdrawal at this stage.
For a lasting ceasefire, Netanyahu insists that any future governing body in Gaza must prove it can effectively prevent the corridor from being used to smuggle weapons and supplies to Hamas. He demanded evidence of such capabilities over time, rather than mere assurances.
The Philadelphi corridor has become a focal point in negotiations due to its role in smuggling operations. Israeli troops have discovered numerous tunnels used by Hamas to transport arms. Netanyahu has faced significant criticism, including from within his own security establishment, for his insistence on retaining control of this area.
The criticism is compounded by the families of hostages, some of whom were recently recovered from a tunnel in southern Gaza. They accuse Netanyahu of compromising their loved ones’ safety by prolonging military presence in the corridor.
Despite the criticism, Netanyahu believes that exerting pressure on Hamas through control of the corridor is crucial for securing the release of the remaining 101 hostages. He argues that maintaining this control is essential to leverage Hamas into negotiations for their release.
As discussions continue, Netanyahu’s position underscores the complex balance between achieving a ceasefire and addressing security concerns related to Hamas’ activities in Gaza.