Netanyahu insists on keeping forces in Philadelphi Corridor
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Going against the proposal made by US President Joe Biden, Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu wants to keep the IOF in the Philadelphi Corridor.
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A man wears a mask depicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as relatives of captives held in Gaza call for their immediate release and protest against Netanyahu's government in Tel Aviv settlement, occupied Palestine, Saturday, August 17, 2024 (AP)
There is much uncertainty about the timeline for the Israeli presence in the Philadelphi Corridor, as well as what a potential reduction in this presence might entail, the Financial Times reported Tuesday citing a diplomatic source. Questions also persist regarding whether the Israeli occupation will continue to control the entry and exit points at Rafah.
According to the source, US President Joe Biden's original plan involved three phases, with "Israel" withdrawing from populated areas in Gaza in the first phase, followed by a complete withdrawal in the second phase. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted in recent weeks on maintaining Israeli military presence in the Philadelphi Corridor.
Another diplomat familiar with the talks told the newspaper that the new proposal includes a reduced Israeli presence in the corridor, "but key details still need to be finalized."
"It is unclear what the timeline for this presence will be, what the reduction would involve, and whether Israel will continue to control access through Rafah," he added.
This comes after the latest unsuccessful round of ceasefire talks held in Doha on Friday where Palestinian Resistance group Hamas rejected the proposal since it does not adhere to the previously agreed-upon July 2 terms backed by the Biden administration and UN Security Council Resolution 2735.
President Joe Biden believes that a ceasefire in Gaza is "still possible," the US leader told reporters on Sunday, highlighting that talks are "still underway. We're not giving up."
The Israeli regime, on the other hand, aims to implement the May 27 principles that expand their occupation by allowing them to maintain control of the Philadelphi Corridor and the Rafah crossing at the Gaza-Egypt border.
The US drafted a new ceasefire proposal that “builds on areas of agreement” while addressing the remaining gaps that enable “a swift implementation of the deal."
Meanwhile, following the recent negotiation talks, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in "Israel" on Sunday to push for a ceasefire and hostage exchange deal in Gaza, marking his ninth trip to the region since the start of the occupation's genocide on October 7.
