Israel has stated that it will not withdraw its forces from the Gaza-Egypt border, known as the Philadelphi Corridor, despite this being a requirement of the second phase of a truce with Hamas. An Israeli source told CNN, “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.”
This announcement comes as Israel prepares to send a delegation to Cairo for ceasefire negotiations. However, it remains unclear whether the talks will focus on extending the first phase of the ceasefire—set to expire on Saturday—or on advancing the second phase, which calls for a full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza.
Ceasefire Talks and Hostage Exchanges
The first phase of the ceasefire has already facilitated the release of 38 hostages held by Hamas in exchange for thousands of Palestinian prisoners. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly seeking to prolong this phase to secure the release of more hostages without committing to a withdrawal from Gaza.
Hamas, on the other hand, insists that Israel’s failure to withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor would be a violation of the ceasefire agreement. A Hamas official, Mahmoud Mardawi, told CNN that the withdrawal was supposed to begin on Saturday and be completed by March 9.
Political Tensions and Security Concerns
Former Israeli military chief Benny Gantz has criticized Netanyahu’s approach, arguing that Israel should focus on securing the release of hostages in a more comprehensive exchange rather than prolonging negotiations. Meanwhile, Netanyahu has justified maintaining control over the Gaza-Egypt border as essential to preventing Hamas from rearming.
The second phase of the ceasefire agreement, if implemented, would require Israel to withdraw all forces from Gaza, after which Hamas would release all remaining living hostages in exchange for additional Palestinian prisoners. However, Israel’s refusal to leave the Philadelphi Corridor has cast uncertainty over whether this phase will proceed as planned.
