Netanyahu Stands Firm on Gaza Corridor Control Amid Ceasefire Negotiations

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel will agree to a permanent ceasefire in Gaza only if the border area between southern Gaza and Egypt cannot be used by Hamas. He rejected withdrawal from the Philadelphi corridor, emphasizing its importance to prevent smuggling weapons to Hamas, despite opposition and criticism.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted on Wednesday that a permanent ceasefire in Gaza would only be feasible if the border between southern Gaza and Egypt remains inaccessible to Hamas. 'Until that happens, we're there,' he declared during a news conference in Jerusalem.

Netanyahu reiterated his refusal to withdraw from the Philadelphi corridor as part of the preliminary deal, expected to span 42 days. He emphasized that Israel would require definitive guarantees that postwar control of Gaza could avert weapon smuggling through the corridor.

'Somebody has to be there,' Netanyahu insisted, underscoring that such assurances could not be mere promises. 'We're open to consider it, but I don't see that happening right now,' he noted, referencing the deadly Hamas attack on October 7.

The Philadelphi corridor has remained a contentious point in ceasefire negotiations, significant for halting the conflict and securing the return of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Netanyahu maintained that control over the corridor is necessary to thwart tunnels used by Hamas for arms smuggling.

Although criticized by many within Israel, including his security advisers, for not conceding on this issue, Netanyahu argued that maintaining pressure on Hamas is essential for the release of the 101 remaining hostages. 'You need to squeeze them, to put pressure on them to release the remaining hostages,' he stated emphatically.

(With inputs from agencies.)