Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asserted that Israel must retain indefinite control over Gaza’s southern border with Egypt, known as the Philadelphi Corridor, creating a significant roadblock in ongoing ceasefire negotiations. This position has drawn widespread criticism both domestically and internationally, complicating efforts to reach an agreement aimed at ending hostilities in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s firm stance on maintaining control of the corridor, which was seized by Israeli forces in May, has emerged as a key obstacle to achieving a ceasefire. As domestic protests intensify, demanding a resolution that secures the release of Israeli captives, and international condemnation grows over the rising number of Palestinian casualties—now nearing 41,000—the pressure on Netanyahu to strike a deal is mounting.
“Gaza must be demilitarized, and this can only happen if the Philadelphi Corridor remains under firm control,” Netanyahu told foreign journalists on Wednesday, arguing that control of the corridor is essential for preventing the smuggling of weapons into Gaza. He further stated that Israel would only consider withdrawing from the area if a viable alternative for policing the region is presented. “Until that happens, we’re there,” he added, emphasizing that Israel would remain in the corridor “as long as it takes to achieve victory.”
Netanyahu’s position has drawn criticism from within Israel’s military and security establishment, many of whom argue that a permanent military presence in Gaza is unnecessary. They contend that targeted raids could be used to prevent arms smuggling without the need for continuous occupation of the corridor.
Egypt, one of the key mediators in the ceasefire talks alongside the U.S. and Qatar, has called for a clear timeline for Israel’s withdrawal from the corridor, which runs along the Egyptian border. The United Arab Emirates, which established formal diplomatic ties with Israel in the 2020 Abraham Accords, also voiced its opposition to Israel’s continued control of the corridor.
Hamas, in a statement released on Thursday, blamed Netanyahu for the ongoing deadlock in ceasefire negotiations, accusing him of deliberately prolonging the conflict. “Netanyahu’s decision not to withdraw from the Salah al-Din [Philadelphi Corridor] axis aims to thwart reaching an agreement,” the statement read. Hamas warned against falling into what it called Netanyahu’s “trap” and urged international pressure on Israel to adhere to previously agreed terms.
In his address on Wednesday, Netanyahu inaccurately claimed that Israel’s ground invasion of Rafah in May resulted in the first release of Israeli captives held by Hamas. However, the first negotiated release occurred months earlier, in November, under a weeklong ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
The ceasefire, which began on November 24, was renewed twice. During this period, fighting was paused, and humanitarian aid was allowed into Gaza. Hamas released captives in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners. By the time the truce ended on November 30, Hamas had released 105 Israeli captives, while Israel had freed 240 Palestinian prisoners.
Netanyahu’s hardline position on the Philadelphi Corridor continues to present a critical challenge to ongoing ceasefire efforts, as both sides grapple with the complexities of securing a lasting peace.
