Israel's decision to maintain control over the Philadelphi corridor in Gaza, despite the ceasefire agreement with Hamas, has raised concerns about the stability of the truce. The corridor, a narrow strip along the border with Egypt, is a contentious area due to its history of weapons smuggling.
What is the Philadelphi Corridor?
The Philadelphi corridor is a 14-kilometer stretch of land that runs along Gaza's border with Egypt. It includes the Rafah crossing, which was previously a key route for Gaza's connections to the outside world. Israel seized control of the corridor last year to prevent arms smuggling through tunnels.
Ceasefire Implications
As part of the ceasefire agreement, Israel was supposed to begin withdrawing from the corridor within eight days. Failure to do so could be viewed as a breach of the truce by Hamas and Egypt, the mediator. The second phase of the ceasefire involves the release of remaining hostages by Hamas in exchange for a lasting peace.
Challenges and Allegations
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Hamas of using tunnels under the border for arms smuggling. However, reports suggest that these tunnels have been inactive for years. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz claimed to have seen unblocked tunnels during a recent visit, but Egypt denies these allegations, citing its efforts to destroy tunnels on its side of the border.
Future Scenarios
A lasting Israeli presence in the corridor could jeopardize the ceasefire and strain relations with Egypt. Hamas opposes any Israeli occupation in Gaza, while the United States has not taken a stance on the issue. President Trump's proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza for tourism development adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
As negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire stall, the region remains on edge, with the risk of renewed conflict looming large.
For more updates on the Israel-Hamas conflict, visit AP's war coverage.
