Israeli forces will remain at the Gaza-Egypt border despite ceasefire talks with Hamas, according to an Israeli source. The first phase of the hostage-ceasefire agreement is set to expire, while Hamas criticizes Israel’s position as a violation. Tensions remain high, with violence continuing across the region. Prime Minister Netanyahu has sent a negotiation delegation to Cairo, though the outcome of discussions remains uncertain.
Israel has stated that it will not withdraw its military from the Gaza-Egypt border, despite ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Hamas. An Israeli source emphasized, “We will not exit the Philadelphi Corridor,” highlighting the country’s commitment to preventing Hamas from operating freely along its borders, which it deems essential for national security.
These remarks come just days before the expiration of the first phase of a hostage-ceasefire agreement, following Hamas’s recent handover of the last hostages due for release during this phase. Hamas has criticized Israel’s unwillingness to withdraw, labeling it a violation of the ceasefire agreement designed to impede progress and fostering further conflict.
Efforts to extend the 42-day ceasefire and implement a second phase, which would require Israel to fully withdraw from Gaza, have been slow, despite the negotiations being intended to commence weeks ago. Tensions remain high in the meantime, with ongoing violence in the region, including a recent car-ramming attack in central Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dispatched a negotiation team to Cairo, though it remains unclear if the discussions will focus on the withdrawal of Israeli forces or merely aim to prolong the initial ceasefire phase. Notably, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, the head of the Israeli delegation, will not attend the talks.
Netanyahu reportedly seeks to extend the first phase of the ceasefire to secure additional hostages without conceding a withdrawal. Former military chief Benny Gantz criticized this approach, indicating a need for expedient and comprehensive solutions rather than incremental exchanges, emphasizing, “The interest of the State of Israel is to bring back as many hostages as quickly as possible.”
The second phase of the ceasefire would necessitate Israel withdrawing all forces from Gaza and receiving all living hostages in return for more Palestinian prisoners. After delivering the last four deceased hostages, Hamas reiterated its intentions to engage in further negotiations, warning that any reversal by Israeli authorities would exacerbate the plight of hostages and their families.
CNN is currently awaiting commentary from Egypt, which is involved in facilitating discussions between the two parties.
In summary, Israel maintains its military presence at the Gaza-Egypt border, asserting its right to national security amid ceasefire negotiations with Hamas. As the first phase of the ceasefire nears its conclusion, tensions persist, and discussions about extending the ceasefire and potential Israeli withdrawals have yet to yield meaningful progress. Both sides express concern over compliance with the ceasefire terms, indicating a challenging path forward in the negotiations.
Original Source: krdo.com
