No active Resistance tunnels in Philadelphi Corridor: Israeli media
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Israeli media, citing sources within the Israeli occupation army, reported that the army can afford to withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor.
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Israeli occupation soldiers in the Phalidelphi corridor during the invasion of Rafah in souther Gaza in May 2024 (AFP)
Israeli media reported on Sunday, citing sources within the Israeli occupation military, that there is no active tunnel belonging to the Palestinian Resistance in the Philadelphi Corridor.
Security and military commentator for Israeli Channel 12, Amir Bar-Shalom, revealed that the Israeli army "says it can afford to withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor."
Read more: 60% of Israelis say exchange deal priority over Philadelphi Corridor
He further mentioned that he consulted multiple military sources, asking them, "Is there an active (Resistance) tunnel in the Philadelphi Corridor?" The consistent response was, "No."
The Philadelphi Corridor includes the Rafah border crossing with Egypt which is crucial for aid delivery. It extends 12.6 kilometers from the Karem Abu Salem crossing to the Mediterranean Sea.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had claimed the Philadelphi Corridor as crucial for Hamas' operations and insists on maintaining a military presence there as part of any agreement.
Earlier today, the BBC reported that Israeli occupation forces had begun asphalting the key Philadelphi Corridor along Gaza's southern border, a move some analysts interpret as an indication that a full withdrawal from the territory is not imminent.
This comes despite the White House saying that an Israeli-approved framework for a ceasefire deal, aimed at bridging gaps between Hamas and "Israel", includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all densely populated areas along the Philadelphi Corridor.
On Friday, a high-ranking leader within the Palestinian Resistance told 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.
Read more: Hamas promises Palestinians, their Resistance not to budge in talks
The leader added 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.
Finally, the senior leader 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.
