Israel-Hamas Ceasefire: Netanyahu Rejects Claims of Gaza-Egypt Border Troop Withdrawal

News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/22nd August 2024

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly denied recent reports suggesting that he agreed to withdraw Israeli military forces from the Gaza-Egypt border as part of an ongoing ceasefire negotiation with Hamas. According to a statement from Netanyahu’s office, these claims, circulated by Israel’s state-owned Kan TV, are inaccurate. The rumors emerged in the context of a proposed ceasefire deal supported by the United States, which includes the release of hostages and was announced by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken as accepted by Israel on Monday.

Central to the reports is the Philadelphi Corridor, a critical border area between the Gaza Strip and Egypt. While the corridor is strategically significant for both Hamas and Egypt, who are key players in the ceasefire discussions, it is reported that both parties oppose Israeli control over this territory. However, Netanyahu has categorically stated that Israel has not agreed to relinquish control over the area.

“Israel will insist on achieving all of its war objectives as defined by the Security Cabinet, including ensuring that Gaza never again poses a security threat to Israel,” Netanyahu’s office asserted in a statement released by Xinhua news agency. The statement further emphasized the necessity of securing Israel’s southern border as part of these objectives.

On the same day, Netanyahu and U.S. President Joe Biden held a phone conversation to discuss the progression of the ceasefire-for-hostages deal. The White House confirmed the discussion but provided no additional details.

Meanwhile, some Israeli military officials have argued that Israel’s security needs could be met without controlling the Philadelphi Corridor. Despite Netanyahu’s firm stance, there have been differing opinions within Israel regarding the necessity of controlling the Philadelphi Corridor. Some Israeli military officials believe that Israel can achieve its security objectives without maintaining control over this border area. The Israeli news website Ynet reported that unnamed security officials have criticized Netanyahu for potentially hindering the negotiation process by insisting on retaining control of the corridor. These officials argue that this insistence could jeopardize the ceasefire agreement, which is seen as a crucial step toward de-escalating the conflict.

As the situation continues to evolve, the international community remains focused on the outcome of these negotiations. The potential ceasefire agreement, while still under discussion, represents a critical opportunity to address the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. However, the issue of control over the Philadelphi Corridor underscores the complexity of the negotiations, with both sides holding firm to their respective positions.