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Israel has firmly declared that it will not withdraw its forces from the Gaza-Egypt border, a crucial condition outlined in the second phase of a truce with Hamas. Despite participating in ongoing ceasefire negotiations, an Israeli source made it clear: “We will not exit the Philadelphi Corridor.” This corridor, a 14-kilometer (8-mile) strip along the border, remains a point of contention as Israel insists it will not allow Hamas fighters to regain access to weapons through smuggling. This announcement sets a tense backdrop just days before the first phase of the Israel-Hamas hostage-ceasefire agreement is set to expire.
Hamas quickly responded, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement. In a statement, Hamas asserted that Israel’s refusal to withdraw from the border was “a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement, and an attempt to fabricate excuses to obstruct the ceasefire agreement and cause it to fail.” The second phase of the ceasefire was intended to involve the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, while Hamas would release all living hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. However, Israel’s latest stance complicates this already fragile process.
Adding to the mounting tensions, at least nine people were injured in a car-ramming attack in central Israel on Thursday. Emergency responders reported that two victims were in serious condition and one in critical condition. The attacker, identified as a 53-year-old Palestinian man, was killed by Israeli police, who are treating the incident as a terrorist attack. This act of violence underscores the ongoing volatility in the region, raising concerns about how these events might impact the ceasefire negotiations.
Meanwhile, Israel has intensified its military operations in Palestinian cities across the occupied West Bank since the ceasefire took effect. Dozens have been killed, and tens of thousands displaced. This escalation further complicates the peace talks, casting doubt on whether both sides can move forward with the agreed-upon terms. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Benjamin Netanyahu has sent a “negotiating delegation to Cairo” to continue discussions, though it remains uncertain if these talks will address phase two of the ceasefire or simply focus on extending the first phase.
The negotiations in Cairo include delegations from Israel, Qatar, and American representatives, aiming to discuss the next steps in the truce. However, the absence of Israel’s chief negotiator, Ron Dermer, signals that these talks might lack high-level political momentum. Netanyahu appears determined to extend the first phase of the ceasefire to secure the release of more hostages without committing to a full Gaza withdrawal. An Israeli source revealed that the government hopes to prolong the first phase “by as much as possible,” seemingly stalling the transition into the more demanding second phase.
Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi emphasized that the withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor was expected to start on Saturday, the 42nd day of the ceasefire, and conclude by March 9. With Hamas reaffirming its readiness to negotiate the second phase, the ball is now in Israel’s court. Yet, Netanyahu’s insistence on maintaining control over the Gaza-Egypt border highlights a major roadblock in achieving lasting peace. As both sides brace for the next round of talks, the world watches closely, wondering if this ceasefire will hold or unravel under the weight of unresolved tensions.
Hamas quickly responded, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement. In a statement, Hamas asserted that Israel’s refusal to withdraw from the border was “a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement, and an attempt to fabricate excuses to obstruct the ceasefire agreement and cause it to fail.” The second phase of the ceasefire was intended to involve the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, while Hamas would release all living hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. However, Israel’s latest stance complicates this already fragile process.
Adding to the mounting tensions, at least nine people were injured in a car-ramming attack in central Israel on Thursday. Emergency responders reported that two victims were in serious condition and one in critical condition. The attacker, identified as a 53-year-old Palestinian man, was killed by Israeli police, who are treating the incident as a terrorist attack. This act of violence underscores the ongoing volatility in the region, raising concerns about how these events might impact the ceasefire negotiations.
Meanwhile, Israel has intensified its military operations in Palestinian cities across the occupied West Bank since the ceasefire took effect. Dozens have been killed, and tens of thousands displaced. This escalation further complicates the peace talks, casting doubt on whether both sides can move forward with the agreed-upon terms. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Benjamin Netanyahu has sent a “negotiating delegation to Cairo” to continue discussions, though it remains uncertain if these talks will address phase two of the ceasefire or simply focus on extending the first phase.
The negotiations in Cairo include delegations from Israel, Qatar, and American representatives, aiming to discuss the next steps in the truce. However, the absence of Israel’s chief negotiator, Ron Dermer, signals that these talks might lack high-level political momentum. Netanyahu appears determined to extend the first phase of the ceasefire to secure the release of more hostages without committing to a full Gaza withdrawal. An Israeli source revealed that the government hopes to prolong the first phase “by as much as possible,” seemingly stalling the transition into the more demanding second phase.
Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi emphasized that the withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor was expected to start on Saturday, the 42nd day of the ceasefire, and conclude by March 9. With Hamas reaffirming its readiness to negotiate the second phase, the ball is now in Israel’s court. Yet, Netanyahu’s insistence on maintaining control over the Gaza-Egypt border highlights a major roadblock in achieving lasting peace. As both sides brace for the next round of talks, the world watches closely, wondering if this ceasefire will hold or unravel under the weight of unresolved tensions.
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