Israeli PM insists on control over Philadelphi Corridor to block Hamas arms smuggling

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asserted the critical importance of Israel's presence in the Philadelphi Corridor, rejecting proposals to withdraw from the area during the initial phase of ceasefire negotiations.

According to him, Israel will only agree to a permanent ceasefire in Gaza if there are assurances that the border area between southern Gaza and Egypt cannot be used by Hamas, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Netanyahu stressed that for a permanent agreement to be reached, there must be guarantees that the corridor will not be used for smuggling weapons and supplies to Hamas.

“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,” he noted, referring to Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel.

The Philadelphi Corridor, located along the southern edge of the Gaza Strip near Egypt, has been a major barrier to reaching an agreement to stop the conflict in Gaza and secure the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

Notably, in a press conference on the evening of September 2, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel would not withdraw from the Philadelphi corridor, emphasizing its strategic importance. Thousands of Israelis have protested, urging the government to secure an agreement to bring all hostages back home. As tensions rise, the situation remains highly volatile, with international observers keeping a close watch on the unfolding events.

The corridor has been a focal point in recent ceasefire negotiations. Hamas has demanded a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, but Netanyahu insists that control over the corridor is essential to prevent Hamas from rearming through smuggling tunnels.