Hamas has urged for increased pressure on Netanyahu to adhere to the agreed ceasefire plan, accusing him of using the Philadelphi Corridor to undermine the deal.
Israeli tanks are positioned near the Israel-Gaza separation fence, as seen from southern Israel in July 2024 [Tsafrir Abayov/AP Photo].
5 Sep 2024
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists that the military must retain indefinite control over Gaza’s southern border area with Egypt, known as the Philadelphi Corridor. This stance threatens to derail ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
Netanyahu's firm position on the corridor, which was captured by Israeli forces in May, has become a significant barrier to a ceasefire agreement. As pressure builds domestically, with mass protests demanding a resolution to bring captives home, and international condemnation grows with the death toll of Palestinians in Gaza approaching 41,000, Netanyahu's refusal to relinquish control remains a key point of contention.
“Gaza must be demilitarized, and that can only happen if we maintain firm control over the Philadelphi Corridor,” Netanyahu asserted to foreign journalists on Wednesday. He emphasized the need for the corridor to prevent weapon smuggling into Gaza and stated that Israel would only consider withdrawing from the area if a viable alternative plan to monitor it were provided.
“Show me anyone who can effectively prevent smuggling,” Netanyahu challenged. “I don’t see that happening right now. Until then, we’re staying.”
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