Netanyahu Sets Strict Terms for Gaza Ceasefire, Emphasizing Border Control
Israeli PM Netanyahu insists on controlling Gaza-Egypt border for any permanent ceasefire. He rejects initial withdrawal, citing concerns over Hamas weapon smuggling and hostage negotiations.
In a recent press conference in Jerusalem, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's Prime Minister, outlined stringent conditions for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza. The focus of his statement was the crucial Philadelphi corridor, a narrow strip of land along the Gaza-Egypt border.
Netanyahu emphasized the necessity of preventing Hamas from utilizing this area for smuggling weapons and supplies. He stated, "Until that happens, we're there," indicating Israel's intention to maintain control over the corridor.
The Philadelphi corridor, approximately 14 km long and 100 meters wide, has been a contentious issue in the ongoing conflict. Established as part of the 1979 Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty, this area has been a hotspot for smuggling tunnels, with Egypt periodically flooding them with seawater to curb illegal activities.
Netanyahu firmly rejected the idea of withdrawing from the corridor during the initial 42-day phase of any potential deal. He expressed concern that international pressure would make it challenging to regain control once relinquished.
"Bring me anyone who will actually show - not on paper, not in words, not on a slide - but day after day, week after week, month after month, that they can actually prevent a recurrence of what happened there before"
The Prime Minister's stance has faced criticism, including from within his own security establishment. Some argue that targeted interventions could effectively prevent smuggling without maintaining a constant presence.
The hostage situation remains a critical factor in the negotiations. Netanyahu asserted that maintaining pressure on Hamas through control of the corridor is crucial for the return of the remaining 101 hostages in Gaza. This statement comes in the wake of the recovery of six hostages' bodies from a southern Gaza tunnel.
The Philadelphi corridor's status is intrinsically tied to broader regional security concerns. Its geology, which facilitates tunnel construction, has led to the implementation of underground barriers. International organizations have called for easing restrictions on the area, highlighting the complex nature of the situation.
As negotiations continue, the fate of the Philadelphi corridor remains a key point of contention, balancing security needs with humanitarian concerns and the ongoing efforts to secure a lasting peace in the region.
