Israel has announced that it will not withdraw its troops from the Philadelphia corridor, a 14-kilometer dividing line between Gaza and Egypt, despite an agreement to do so. The high fire agreement stipulated that Israel should begin withdrawing its troops from the corridor by the 42nd day of the first phase of the truce, which ends this Saturday.
A senior Israeli official stated, “We will not leave the Philadelphia corridor. We will not allow Hamas’s murderers to wander with trucks and weapons around our borders, and we will not allow them to recover strength thanks to smuggling.” The official’s statement was released to the media, emphasizing Israel’s commitment to maintaining control over the corridor.
Disagreement Over the Philadelphia Corridor
The Philadelphia corridor was a major point of contention between Israel and Hamas during truce negotiations. The Israeli delegation had demanded to remain in control of the corridor, citing concerns over Hamas’s ability to smuggle weapons and supplies through the area. According to documents obtained by Efe, Israel was supposed to begin withdrawing its troops from the corridor by the end of the first phase of the truce, with a complete withdrawal by the 50th day.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the Philadelphia corridor will not be evacuated, as it has become the “oxygen tube” of Hamas. He believes that if Israel loses control of the corridor, Gaza will become a “reign of terrorism.” The passage of Rafah, the crossing between Gaza and Egypt, is located in this corridor and was reopened on February 1 to allow the transfer of sick and wounded Gazans to Egypt.
Implications for the Truce Agreement
Israel’s announcement comes just two days before the end of the first phase of the truce agreement. Despite the lack of progress in conversations about the second phase, which is set to begin on Sunday, senior Israeli officials have stated that the government intends to extend the first phase of the truce. This would allow Israel to maintain its military presence in the border damping zone and continue its daily attacks on the strip.
On the other hand, Israeli Minister of Defense Israel Katz has announced a plan to allow Palestinians who want to leave Gaza to do so voluntarily through the port of Ashdod and Ramon airport, both located in Israeli territory. Katz stated that he is working to establish a voluntary emigration administration to facilitate the departure of those who wish to leave Gaza.
Katz also reiterated his support for US President Donald Trump’s plan to relocate the population of Gaza and turn the area into a tourist center. He stated that “Hamas will not continue having control of Gaza, neither civil nor military,” and that Trump’s plan will come to fruition. The Israeli Ministry of Defense has announced that it will provide extensive assistance to any Gaza resident who wants to voluntarily emigrate to a third country, including special exit provisions by land, sea, and air.