Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu's stance on 'Philadelphi corridor' threatens to derail ceasefire efforts

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the country's control over the Philadelphi corridor — a narrow strip of land along Gaza’s border with Egypt — which was seized by troops in May, will prevent Hamas from rearming by smuggling weapons into Gaza.

Talking to foreign media on Sep 4, Netanyahu said Israel must keep open-ended control of Gaza’s border while Hamas has demanded a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in the multi-phase truce deal.

The Israeli PM has said that it is imperative to ensure Hamas cannot repeat its Oct 7 attack on Israel.

“Gaza must be demilitarized, and this can only happen if the Philadelphi corridor remains under firm control,” Netanyahu said, alleging that the IDF discovered dozens of tunnels under the border.

Netanyahu said Israel would only consider leaving the corridor if presented with an alternative force to police it.

“Bring me anyone who will show us … that they can prevent the recurrence” of smuggling, he said. “I don’t see that happening right now. And until that happens, we’re there," Netanyahu told the reporters.

Meanwhile, the United States is developing a new proposal for a ceasefire and hostage release deal, in hopes of breaking a long deadlock and ending the nearly 11-month-old war.

The Israeli control of the corridor has become a central obstacle in the truce efforts. Egypt, which is also negotiating talks with the US and Qatar, has demanded a concrete timeline for Israeli troops to leave the Philadelphi corridor.

The United Arab Emirates, which established formal ties with Israel in the 2020 Abraham Accords, has also criticized the Israeli stance.