Israel has announced it will not withdraw from the Gaza-Egypt border ahead of an expiring ceasefire. This decision follows Hamas completing the release of the final hostages in the first phase of the agreement. Negotiations for a second phase have stalled, with Israel prioritizing its military control over the region. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s administration seeks to extend the current ceasefire without conceding to demands for withdrawal.
Amidst the impending expiration of a ceasefire agreement, Israel has declared it will maintain its military presence along the Gaza-Egypt border. An Israeli source remarked, “We will not exit the Philadelphi Corridor,” emphasizing the importance of preventing Hamas from rearming and facilitating smuggling operations. This announcement comes right after Hamas completed the release of hostages linked to the first phase of the agreement, which is set to expire soon.
Negotiations over extending the ceasefire into a second phase have been delayed, leaving uncertainties about its progress. The initial phase has seen the release of 38 hostages from Hamas and thousands of Palestinian detainees from Israel. Israeli control of the corridor, established in May, has been deemed crucial for national security by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The second phase, contingent on Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza and the Egyptian border, requires Hamas to release all remaining hostages in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners. Following the handover of deceased hostages, Hamas has reiterated its role in discussions for the second phase, warning against any Israeli attempts to undermine the agreement: “Any attempts by Netanyahu and his government to backtrack on the agreement and obstruct it will only lead to more suffering for the prisoners and their families.”
Netanyahu is scheduled for security consultations to determine the next steps concerning negotiations on the second phase. Reports suggest the Israeli government is considering extending the first phase of the ceasefire without withdrawing from Gaza, aiming to secure the release of additional hostages instead. In summary, Israel’s firm stance on military presence underscores the complexities involved in extending the fragile ceasefire with Hamas.
Israel’s refusal to withdraw from the Gaza-Egypt border complicates the extension of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas, which is nearing expiration. While Israel insists on maintaining control for security reasons, Hamas has pledged to engage in discussions for a second phase if terms are favorable. The situation remains tense as negotiations progress amidst a backdrop of hostages and political maneuvering.
Original Source: keyt.com
