Israel’s Reluctance to Withdraw from Philadelphi Corridor Threatens Gaza Ceasefire

Israel’s refusal to withdraw from the Philadelphi corridor threatens the ceasefire with Hamas. Under the ceasefire, Israel was to pull out within eight days; however, an Israeli official indicated that troops would remain for security reasons. The corridor has long been a point of tension, with both sides holding differing views on its significance and security implications.

Israel’s reluctance to withdraw from the Philadelphi corridor, a narrow strip along the Gaza-Egypt border, poses a potential threat to a fragile ceasefire established with Hamas. As per the ceasefire agreement reached last month, Israel was to initiate its withdrawal last Saturday; however, an Israeli official stated that troops would remain in the corridor to try and prevent weapons smuggling, contradicting Hamas’s demands for a complete pullout.

The Philadelphi corridor is an important yet contentious area, measuring only 100 meters wide and stretching 14 kilometers in length. It was Gaza’s sole crossing to the outside world not controlled by Israel until the corridor’s capture last May. Recent assertions by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Hamas was utilizing underground tunnels for arms smuggling, although reports indicate these tunnels have not been operational for several years.

According to Israeli media sources, most of Gaza’s weaponry is locally produced, with materials smuggled through controlled crossings. Despite ongoing tensions, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz alleged the presence of unsealed tunnels between Gaza and Egypt during a visit, without providing substantiation. In contrast, Egypt refuted these claims, stating it had destroyed numerous tunnels in recent years.

With the ceasefire’s first phase having successfully released several hostages, the second phase is now more complex, hinging on further negotiations and the release of all remaining hostages by Hamas. Following limited discussions, Israeli efforts still face potential conflicts as Netanyahu insists on both recovering hostages and dismantling Hamas’s capabilities.

Any prolonged Israeli presence in the corridor is staunchly opposed by Hamas, as it would signify military occupation. Israel’s past withdrawal from Gaza does not relinquish its control over various critical aspects, including airspace and border security, which exacerbates frictions with Egypt, a longstanding peace partner for Israel. The implications of these tensions may alter regional dynamics, especially regarding American influence amid proposed changes to Gaza’s governance and humanitarian framework.

The ongoing refusal of Israel to withdraw from the Philadelphi corridor amid the ceasefire raises significant concerns for the stability of the region. Reports contradict Israel’s rationale for maintaining a presence in the corridor, as recent findings suggest that Hamas has not used tunnels for arms smuggling in years. The peace between Israel and Hamas remains precarious, and any further negotiations will be complicated by the current stance of both parties. Additionally, any sustained Israeli military presence risks straining relations with Egypt, crucial for mediation efforts.

Original Source: apnews.com