Exclusive - Resistance source: Philadelphi main obstacle to ceasefire
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A trusted leader in the Palestinian Resistance informs Al Mayadeen that the Philadelphi Corridor remains the primary obstacle to achieving a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. This impasse is due to the occupation's continued refusal to withdraw from the area during the first phase of the agreement.
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Palestinians are seen at the Egypt-Gaza border as they continue their daily lives under harsh conditions in Rafah, Gaza on January 18, 2024. (AP)
A high-ranking leader within the Palestinian Resistance confirmed to Al Mayadeen that the Philadelphi Corridor remains the key obstacle in achieving both a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip and a prisoner exchange deal. This contentious area continues to be a critical point of negotiation, impeding progress toward a broader resolution.
The leader added on Friday that the Israeli occupation is adamant about not withdrawing from the Philadelphi Corridor during the first phase of the agreement, intending to postpone the withdrawal to the second phase. He also noted that Hamas informed mediators of its categorical rejection of allowing occupation forces to remain in the area during the initial 42 days of the agreement.
He further revealed that mediators had presented proposals for the occupation to gradually withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor during the first phase of the agreement. However, "Israel" rejected these proposals, maintaining its stance against an immediate or phased withdrawal.
While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains steadfast in his insistence on keeping Israeli forces in the Philadelphi Corridor, an opinion poll revealed that 48% of Israelis support withdrawing from the area to facilitate a prisoner exchange deal with the Resistance.
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On Thursday, Khalil al-Hayya, Hamas's deputy head in Gaza, said that Hamas reaffirms its commitment to the agreement reached following US President Joe Biden's proposal and the UN Security Council's decision on the Gaza Strip ceasefire.
He stressed that "The movement does not need any new documents or proposals from any party," adding that "the occupation must be forced to fulfill its commitments."
Al-Hayya also highlighted that any agreement must constitute an end to the aggression and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, including the Philadelphi Corridor and the Rafah crossing.
Additionally, it should ensure the unimpeded return of displaced people to their homes without "any inspections," along with the provision of humanitarian aid, and the reconstruction of the Strip, leading up to a prisoner exchange deal, he continued.
