IOF to remain in Philadelphi Axis for first phase of deal: Israeli PMO
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The first phase of the deal will span 42 days, with implementation set to begin two or three days after the agreement is signed.
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Israeli soldiers move on the Philadelphi Corridor along the border with Egypt, in the Gaza Strip on September 13, 2024. (AP)
The Israeli Prime Minister's Office announced on Thursday morning that the IOF would not withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor during the first phase of the prisoner-captive exchange deal on Thursday morning.
"Contrary to misleading reports, Israel is not withdrawing from the Philadelphi Corridor. Israel will remain in Phase A of the corridor for the entire 42-day period," the statement said.
The statement added that "The scope of forces will remain at its current size but will be deployed differently—encompassing outposts, patrols, observations, and control along the entire corridor."
"During Phase A, starting on the 16th day, negotiations will begin on ending the war. If Hamas does not agree to Israel’s demands for ending the war [achieving the war’s objectives], Israel will remain in the Philadelphi Corridor on the 42nd day and, consequently, beyond the 50th day."
"In practical terms, Israel will remain in the Philadelphi Corridor until further notice," the statement concluded.
This comes after the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office maintained that the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, has allegedly violated key terms of the agreement and is intentionally orchestrating a last-minute "crisis," obstructing the finalization of the captive release deal.
"Hamas is reneging on the understandings and creating a last-minute crisis that is preventing an agreement," the PMO said in a statement, issued in both English and Hebrew.
The statement further emphasized that the Israeli cabinet will not convene until mediators inform "Israel" that Hamas has agreed to all aspects of the deal.
In response to the Israeli statement, a senior Hamas official, Izzat al-Risheq, stressed that " the group is committed to the ceasefire agreement announced by mediators."
On Wednesday, Hamas announced a ceasefire agreement, bringing an end to more than 15 months of relentless aggression on the Gaza Strip. The movement hailed the agreement as a victory for the Palestinian people and their steadfast resistance in the face of unprecedented challenges.
