Netanyahu doubles down on military control over Gaza’s Philadelphi Corridor

Netanyahu doubles down on military control over Gaza’s Philadelphi Corridor

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that his military should maintain unwavering control over Gaza’s southern border area, which is known as the Philadelphi Corridor, before a ceasefire attempt is threatened.

As a result of widespread domestic protests demanding a ceasefire deal be reached, the number of Palestinians who have been confirmed killed by Israel’s military in Gaza is close to 41, 000, Netanyahu’s position on the corridor, which was taken by Israeli forces in May, has become the main obstacle to achieving a ceasefire deal in Gaza.

“Gaza must be demilitarised, and this can only happen if the Philadelphi Corridor remains under firm control”, Netanyahu told foreign journalists on Wednesday.

Netanyahu argued that Israel must keep control of the corridor in order to stop weapons entering Gaza and that Israel would only consider leaving when a different strategy to policing the area is presented.

“Bring me anyone who will actually show us … that they can actually prevent the recurrence” of smuggling, he said. “I don’t see that happening right now. And until that happens, we’re there”.

Netanyahu declined to provide a timeline for Israel’s end of its occupation of Gaza when journalists asked for it.

“How long can we do this? As long as this victory is necessary. And I think we’re getting a lot closer”, he said.

Netanyahu’s position on the Philadelphi Corridor has drawn scathing criticism from many in Israel, including those within his own military and security apparatus who think Israeli troops should not be stationed permanently in Gaza and should launch targeted raids to stop arms trafficking.

A concrete date for Israel’s withdrawal from the corridor that runs along its border has also been demanded by Egypt, who also serves as a mediator in the ceasefire talks with the US and Qatar. Israel’s decision to control the corridor was also criticized by the United Arab Emirates, which officially ties with Israel in the 2020 Abraham Accords, which were intended to normalize Arab-Israeli relations.

Hamas claimed in a statement on Thursday that Netanyahu had a role to play in the ongoing ceasefire talks and that the Israeli leader wanted to prolong the conflict in Gaza.

“Netanyahu’s decision not to withdraw from the Salah al-Din]Philadelphi Corridor] axis aims to thwart reaching an agreement”, Hamas said in the statement.

We advise against “believing in Netanyahu’s trap and tricks,” Hamas said, noting that Israel must adhere to a deal reached earlier this year. “We advise against falling into his trap and tricks.”

“We do not need new proposals. The statement reads, “What is required now is to press on Netanyahu and his government and compel them to follow what has been agreed upon”

Netanyahu incorrectly claimed in an interview on Wednesday that Israel’s ground invasion of Rafah in southern Gaza in May caused the first release of Israeli prisoners held by Hamas in Gaza.

Indeed, that negotiated release occurred in November, following an Israeli-Hamas agreement for a week-long ceasefire.

The Israel-Hamas truce began on November 24 and was&nbsp, renewed twice.

Under the agreement, fighting was paused and&nbsp, humanitarian aid&nbsp, was allowed to enter Gaza as Hamas released captives in exchange for Israel releasing Palestinian prisoners.

Source: Aljazeera

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