Israel Confirms Continued Military Presence at Gaza-Egypt Border
An Israeli source stated that Israel will not withdraw from the Gaza-Egypt border, despite expectations to do so if a ceasefire is extended. The military aims to prevent Hamas from gaining power along the border, emphasizing the importance of controlling the Philadelphi Corridor. Negotiations regarding a second phase of the truce remain uncertain.
An Israeli source has confirmed that Israel will not withdraw its military forces from the Gaza-Egypt border region. This decision comes despite earlier plans to initiate withdrawal in early March, contingent on the potential extension of the current ceasefire, which is set to expire soon. The source communicated to CNN, emphasizing that Israel will maintain its presence at the Philadelphi Corridor—a critical 14-kilometer stretch along the border—due to security concerns surrounding Hamas. The military took control of this corridor in May and was expected to withdraw during a possible subsequent phase of the truce agreement, although it remains uncertain whether negotiations for this phase have commenced.
The Israeli military intends to continue its operations along the Gaza-Egypt border, prioritizing national security and preventing Hamas from regaining strength. The status of the ceasefire and any potential negotiations for withdrawal remains unclear, raising questions about future developments in the region. This situation reflects ongoing tensions and the complexity of negotiations related to peacekeeping in the area.
Original Source: www.cnn.com