Egypt’s Army Chief Inspects Gaza Border Amid Ceasefire Talks

Egypt's army chief of staff Lieutenant General Ahmed Fathy Khalifa visited the Gaza-Egypt border to assess security. This comes as Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that any ceasefire must ensure Hamas cannot use the border as a supply route. The Philadelphi corridor remains a contentious point in ceasefire negotiations.

Egypt's army chief of staff, Lieutenant General Ahmed Fathy Khalifa, unexpectedly visited the country's border with the Gaza Strip to evaluate the security situation, state television reported on Thursday, citing the army's spokesperson.

The inspection follows a statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, asserting that Israel would consent to a permanent ceasefire in Gaza only if it ensured that the border area between southern Gaza and Egypt could not be exploited as a supply route for Hamas.

The Philadelphi corridor, located along the southern fringe of the Gaza Strip bordering Egypt, has been a significant obstacle in reaching a ceasefire agreement and facilitating the return of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

(With inputs from agencies.)