Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in South Lebanon: One martyred in the Israeli drone strike on a car in the town of Kawnin
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in South Lebanon: Israeli drone targets a car in the town of Kawnin
Naeini: If our national interests are attacked again, our response this time will be stronger and more destructive
Naeini: The war has proven that the settlers are defenseless against Iranian missile and drone forces
Naeini: Trump lacks an understanding of the true strength of the Iranian people and is so deluded as to believe he can change the reality of Iran's victory
Naeini: The defeat led to Trump's confusion and loss of balance, which was reflected in his ill-considered statements
IRGC spokesperson Brigadier General Mohammad Naeini: Trump's statements are a result of his defeat against Iran, and we advise him to abandon absurd policies
Gaza Government Media Office: The number of children martyred due to malnutrition has risen to 66
Saree: Loyal Yemen will not abandon its religious, moral, and humanitarian duties toward the Palestinian people
Saree: Over the past week, we carried out military operations targeting sensitive sites and military installations in Beer al-Sabe', Yafa, and Haifa via a number of ballistic missiles and drones, which were all successful

Satellite images show 'Israel' paving Philadelphi Corridor: BBC

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: BBC
  • 7 Sep 2024 13:46
  • 2 Shares
4 Min Read

From August 26 to September 5, satellite images captured the fresh paving of a 6.4-kilometer stretch of the Corridor.

Listen
  • x
  • Gaza
    A photo circulated on social media shows the Philadelphi Corridor before and after it was paved by the Israeli occupation military

Israeli forces have been 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, BBC reported on Saturday.

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.

The Corridor has become a point of contention in ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza and a prisoner exchange deal between the parties. 

BBC Verify has examined satellite imagery, photos, and videos confirming the resurfacing of this road, which runs along the Gaza-Egypt border. From August 26 to September 5, satellite images captured the fresh paving of a 6.4-kilometer stretch of this road.

A video posted online on September 4 showed construction activity along the border fence, with heavy machinery laying new tarmac sufficient for two large vehicles to pass.

The Philadelphi corridor on the Gaza-Egypt border is being paved.

Gazans and Egyptians are both shocked and appalled that Israel is building above ground and not below. Goes against their tunnel culture.

Israel now owns Philadelphi and will do so for the rest of time. pic.twitter.com/vOVuto86MB

— 𝗡𝗶𝗼𝗵 𝗕𝗲𝗿𝗴 ♛ ✡︎ (@NiohBerg) September 5, 2024

The Philadelphi Corridor includes the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, Gaza’s only crossing not under direct Israeli control and crucial for aid delivery. It extends 12.6 kilometers from the Karem Abu Salem crossing to the Mediterranean Sea.

The occupation army is paving the #Philadelphi corridor for easy movement. Netanyahu does not want to withdraw from the corridor. pic.twitter.com/Cr6vjMkE9N

— Abo Obaida (@Abo_Obaida3) September 5, 2024

Although "Israel" and its settlers withdrew from the Gaza Strip in 2005, the Israeli occupation military invaded the Philadelphi Corridor on May 7 of this year, deploying tanks and armored personnel carriers, and began paving the road months later. Israeli forces have also taken control of the Rafah crossing and advanced north-west along the corridor and into the southern city of Rafah.

Over the past four months, occupation forces have conducted extensive destruction operations near the corridor, including air and artillery strikes, demolitions, and bulldozer operations. For instance, the village of al-Qarya al-Suwaydiya at the Mediterranean end of the border has been destroyed and now functions as an Israeli military base.

Related News

Trump predicts Gaza ceasefire within a week

Gaza finds narcotics in US-Israeli aid, calls for global probe

Dr. Andreas Krieg, a senior lecturer at King’s College London, said that "paving the road puts pressure on negotiators and mediators. The Israelis are trying to create a fait accompli."

"It also suggests that Israel is not going to withdraw entirely from the Gaza strip any time soon," he told BBC.

Krieg drew parallels with the so-called Netzarim Corridor, constructed by the Israeli military earlier this year in northern Gaza, noting that such infrastructure investments suggest a long-term Israeli presence.

"If you look at the investments made in the Netzarim Corridor, it's clear they have no intention of withdrawing anytime soon, they've got concrete barriers, forward operating bases with towers and walls - you don't build those if you're planning on withdrawing," he explained.

Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described the Philadelphi Corridor as crucial for Hamas' operations and insists on maintaining a military presence there as part of any agreement.

Netanyahu claims that Hamas used tunnels beneath the Philadelphi Corridor for smuggling weapons and personnel before the October 7 events.

Meanwhile, retired Egyptian Major General Dr. Samir Faraj views the road paving as a form of "psychological warfare... paving the road is a media war, a war in which Israel sends a message to different parties that they will not leave."

Exclusive - Resistance source: Philadelphi main obstacle to ceasefire

On September 6, 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. This contentious area continues to be a critical point of negotiation, impeding progress toward a broader resolution.

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.

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.

Read more: Netanyahu's claims regarding Egypt aimed at justifying failure: Source

  • Gaza Strip
  • war on Gaza
  • philadelphi corridor
  • Palestine
  • IOF
  • Israel
  • Rafah
  • Rafah border crossing
  • Gaza
War on Gaza

War on Gaza

Most Read

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian attends a protest following the US attacks on nuclear sites in Iran, in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP)

Iran declares victory as ceasefire forces Israeli retreat

  • Politics
  • 24 Jun 2025
Israeli workers survey the site where a missile launched from Iran struck in Haifa on Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP)

True Promise 3, wave 20: 40 missiles launched, Kheibar-Shekan in first

  • Politics
  • 22 Jun 2025
Iran launches strikes on Israeli targets, despite alleged ceasefire

Iran victorious as ceasefire with 'Israel' takes effect

  • Politics
  • 24 Jun 2025
Iranian worshippers carry their country's flags in a protest to condemn Israeli attacks on multiple cities across Iran, after the Friday prayers ceremony in Tehran, Iran, Friday, June 20, 2025. (AP)

Iran warns of NPT withdrawal, Strait of Hormuz closure after US attack

  • Politics
  • 22 Jun 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
Israeli occupation soldiers search for settlers amid the rubble of buildings destroyed by an Iranian missile strike in Bat Yam, central occupied Palestine, on Sunday, June 15, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Iran missile strike flattens Bat Yam, displaces 2,000 settlers

Palestinian fighters from the Islamic Jihad militant group riding on a truck with weaponry on display take part in an anti-Israel parade marking the 36th anniversary of the movement's founding, in Gaza City, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023 (AP)
Politics

Palestinian Resistance attacks Israeli forces in Khan Younis, Jabalia

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stands waiting to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin for the talks at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Monday, June 23, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Iran suspends IAEA cooperation, Araghchi blames Grossi for attacks

The commander of the Quds Force's Palestine Unit, Brigadier General Mohammad Said Izadi (Illustrated by Mahdi Rtail for Al Mayadeen English)
Politics

Who was Mohammad Said Izadi, head of the Quds Force's Palestine Unit?

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS