Israel has announced that it will not be withdrawing its forces from the Gaza-Egypt border, as per a source from the country. The initial plan was for the military to commence its withdrawal from the region in early March, contingent upon the extension of the current ceasefire, which is set to expire on Saturday.
The source revealed a message that was transmitted to the Israeli media on Thursday, stating unequivocally, 'We will not exit the Philadelphi Corridor,' referring to the 14-kilometer (8 mile) strip along the Gaza-Egypt border. The message further emphasized Israel's stance, declaring, '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.'
In May, the Israeli military assumed control of the Philadelphi Corridor and was slated to withdraw from it during a potential second phase of the truce agreement. However, the status of negotiations for a second phase remains uncertain at this time.
