Israel will not withdraw from the Philadelphi corridor in Gaza, despite the ceasefire’s terms, an official said Thursday, potentially escalating tensions with Hamas and Egypt.
Earlier, Hamas handed over the remains of four hostages in exchange for more than 600 Palestinian prisoners, marking the final swap of the ceasefire’s first phase, which ends this weekend. Talks on the next, more challenging stage have yet to begin.
An Israeli official, speaking anonymously, told AP that troops must remain in the corridor along Gaza’s border with Egypt to prevent arms smuggling.
Meanwhile, Defense Minister Israel Katz told local leaders he had observed tunnels crossing the border during a recent visit, though he did not provide evidence or details on Israel’s response. Egypt, however, insists it dismantled smuggling tunnels years ago and maintains a military buffer zone to prevent illicit activity.
