Sharp new disputes emerge in Gaza peace talks – Reuters
Photo: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Getty Images)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasized that Israel will not withdraw from the so-called Philadelphi Corridor in the southern Gaza Strip as part of ceasefire negotiations, according to Reuters.
Reuters, citing its sources, reported that the corridor along the border with Egypt and the Netzarim Corridor, running through the middle of the Gaza Strip, have been major sticking points in negotiations involving mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States.
Netanyahu has repeatedly insisted that Israel will not relinquish control over the Philadelphi Corridor, aiming to prevent the smuggling of weapons and Hamas militants through the Egypt border. He also stated that Israel must maintain checkpoints in the Netzarim Corridor to stop armed Hamas militants moving from southern Gaza to the north.
The Reuters source revealed that Netanyahu agreed to relocate one position of the Philadelphi by several hundred meters but will retain overall control of the corridor despite pressure from members of his negotiating team who are demanding greater concessions.
"The prime minister insists that this situation will continue, contrary to pressure from certain elements in the negotiating team who are willing to withdraw from there," said the person, who has close knowledge of the negotiations.
This week, Israel's Channel 12 television reported that Netanyahu sharply criticized the negotiating team led by led by David Barnea, the chief of the Mossad intelligence service, for its willingness to make too many concessions.
Pressure and good intentions
Netanyahu is facing intense pressure from the families of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. Many have harshly criticized the failure to secure an agreement, while others accuse the Prime Minister of obstructing a deal for his political purposes.
However, under pressure from hardliners in his cabinet who oppose any concessions and considering public opinion polls reflecting a drop in his approval ratings since the war's onset, Netanyahu has repeatedly stated his preference for a decisive victory over Hamas.
Biden’s peace plan
In the spring, US President Joe Biden proposed a three-stage plan for a ceasefire and hostage exchange regarding Gaza.
Subsequent negotiations for ending the war in the strip involved US, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators.
In early July, Hamas rejected a key condition requiring Israel to completely halt the war.
The White House announced progress in ceasefire talks concerning Gaza.
On August 19, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that Israel had approved a hostage release agreement proposed by the US.
Recently, President Biden stated that Israel and Hamas are "closer than we've ever been" to reaching a ceasefire agreement.
