Israel Will Not Compromise on Control of the Philadelphi Corridor, Netanyahu

Israel is prepared to exhibit flexibility in negotiations for a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas; however, it does not intend to relinquish control of the Philadelphi Corridor, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Wednesday.

“We are firm when it comes to our red lines, including the Philadelphi Corridor. I am flexible when I need to be flexible, and I am tough when I need to be tough,” he said during a press conference.

According to the Prime Minister, only such a stance will allow for a mutually acceptable agreement regarding a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages.

Netanyahu noted that maintaining control over the corridor will help prevent Hamas from “terrorizing” both Israel and the people of Gaza.

Meanwhile, Haaretz reported on Wednesday, citing sources from the Israeli ruling coalition, that Netanyahu does not actually wish for a cessation of military operations in Gaza and is using the Philadelphi Corridor to cancel the negotiating process.

It is important to mention that the Philadelphi Corridor is the border between Gaza and Egypt. The issue of control over the corridor has been pivotal in negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Reports indicate that several parties involved in the negotiations have responded skeptically to Netanyahu's demands for a hasty agreement, asserting that Israeli soldiers must remain in the Philadelphi Corridor.

“Benjamin Netanyahu decided a few weeks ago that he did not want to reach an agreement, and when it became possible, he felt disheartened and did everything possible to cancel it,” the publication quotes a source close to the government.