Israel Refuses to Withdraw from Gaza-Egypt Border Ahead of Ceasefire Expiry

Israel will not withdraw forces from the Gaza-Egypt border, rejecting stipulations of a potential second phase of the ceasefire with Hamas. Hostage releases have progressed, but future negotiations remain uncertain. Netanyahu emphasizes border control for security and is inclined to extend the existing ceasefire instead of agreeing to a withdrawal.

In a recent development concerning the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, an Israeli source has confirmed that Israel will not withdraw its forces from the Gaza-Egypt border as stipulated in a potential second phase of a ceasefire. The source emphasized, “We will not exit the Philadelphi Corridor. 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 arrives just days before the first phase of the Israel-Hamas hostage-ceasefire agreement expires, following the recent release of final hostages by Hamas. Despite efforts to engage in negotiations for a second phase of the ceasefire, it remains unclear if such talks have commenced, given that these discussions were expected to begin over three weeks ago.

The ceasefire’s initial phase has facilitated the release of 38 hostages held by Hamas, as well as thousands of Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel. As the Israeli military secured the corridor along the border in May, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underscored the importance of maintaining control over this area for Israel’s national security.

The proposed second phase of the ceasefire would entail Israel’s complete withdrawal from Gaza, including the border area. In return, Hamas would be obliged to release all remaining living hostages. Following their recent release of deceased hostages, Hamas reiterated its commitment to initiate conversations regarding this second phase of the ceasefire, cautioning that any hindrance from Netanyahu’s government could exacerbate the suffering of hostage families.

Prime Minister Netanyahu is scheduled to convene security discussions, which will determine whether a delegation will be dispatched to pursue negotiations for the second phase. Reports indicate that the Prime Minister favors extending the first phase of the ceasefire, which entails continuing to secure the release of more hostages without a withdrawal from Gaza. According to an Israeli source, the government is seeking to prolong this initial phase as much as possible.

In summary, Israel firmly rejects the prospect of withdrawing its military presence from the Gaza-Egypt border during the anticipated second phase of the ceasefire. Withholding their forces is tied to national security concerns, while negotiations for an extension of the current ceasefire continue amid ongoing hostages discussions. The fate of future negotiations hinges on the decisions made in upcoming security meetings led by Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Original Source: keyt.com