Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated on Wednesday the necessity for Israel to maintain control of Gaza's border with Egypt, particularly the Philadelphi corridor, as cease-fire negotiations continue amidst a prolonged conflict. The issue of Israeli control over this strategic border area has emerged as a significant point of contention in the talks, with Hamas insisting on a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza as part of any truce agreement.
Netanyahu emphasized the importance of preventing Hamas from rearming through smuggling weapons into Gaza, citing the discovery of numerous tunnels under the border. He underscored that Gaza must be demilitarized, and Israeli control of the Philadelphi corridor is crucial in achieving this objective. The Prime Minister expressed readiness to consider withdrawal from the corridor only if a viable alternative force can effectively police the area to prevent smuggling activities.
Meanwhile, families of hostages held by Hamas have intensified their calls for a deal following the recent killing of six hostages during a rescue attempt. Netanyahu faced criticism from these families and the public for his stance on the border control issue, with many urging him to prioritize the safe return of the hostages. Despite mounting pressure, Netanyahu defended his position, stating that it is essential to safeguard Israel from potential threats posed by Hamas.
Responding to inquiries about a timeline for ending the conflict, Netanyahu declined to provide a specific duration, emphasizing the need to continue until victory is achieved. He asserted that maintaining control of the border would also exert pressure on Hamas to release the remaining hostages. However, he made a factual error in attributing the release of hostages to a previous military operation, which occurred under different circumstances.
Separately, reports emerged of an Israeli drone strike in the West Bank that resulted in casualties among armed individuals. The Israeli military confirmed the strikes, stating they targeted individuals posing a threat to soldiers in the area. The incident marked a continuation of heightened military operations in the West Bank amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
