Netanyahu insists on control over Philadelphi corridor Gaza ceasefire talks may disrupt

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed on September 2 his stance on maintaining an Israeli presence along the Philadelphi corridor, a critical border area between Gaza and Egypt. 

This decision comes amid heightened tensions and widespread protests in Israel over the government's handling of a hostage crisis, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media sources.

In a press conference on September 2 evening, Netanyahu stated, “We will not be withdrawing from the Philadelphi corridor. The axis of evil relies on the Philadelphi corridor, and it’s crucial for us to maintain control over it.” Thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets in protest, demanding the government secure a deal to bring home all hostages. As tensions escalate, the situation remains volatile, with international observers closely monitoring the developments.

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.

The Prime Minister's remarks were made following the Israel Defense Forces' (IDF) discovery of six bodies in an underground tunnel in Rafah, southern Gaza, on August 31. According to the Israel Defense Forces, these individuals, including two women and four men, were hostages taken during Hamas' surprise attack on October 7, 2023.

In a news conference, Netanyahu vowed that Hamas would "pay a very heavy price" for the killings, emphasizing that Israel would respond "in the short term."

The incident has further complicated the ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire and a potential hostage release deal, with the US White House national security adviser warning that the "next few days will be critical" in efforts to free those still held by Hamas.