Talks under way in Egypt for second phase of Israel-Hamas ceasefire in Gaza
Al JazeeraFEB 28
Israeli Official: Israel Won't Withdraw from Philadelphi Corridor as Stipulated in Cease-fire
Above: Israeli soldiers patrol along the Philadelphi corridor in Rafah in the Gaza Strip on Sept. 13, 2024. Image copyright: Sharon Aronowicz/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Though Israel has a right to ensure its security, the continuation of the cease-fire agreement is critical to regional stability. As the end of the first phase approaches, Israel should stick to the agreement it made so that all the hostages can be released. Netanyahu needs to prioritize the release of hostages over politics.
Pro-Israel narrative
The battle for Rafah was so important because it allowed Israeli forces to prevent Hamas from utilizing its subterranean supply lines into Gaza. Indeed, preventing Hamas from re-establishing these supply lines will prove crucial in defeating the terrorist group, and Netanyahu is correct in making the Philadelphi Corridor a red line. Israel cannot repeat past mistakes and will continue to hold firm in its demands.
Pro-Palestine narrative
The cease-fire agreement clearly stipulates that Israel must withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor, yet, as always, Netanyahu is working to undermine and sabotage the agreement to further his own political agenda. Hamas has continued to demonstrate that it wants to negotiate and move forward with the agreement, but Israel, with the full backing of the US, only seeks to stall and escalate the situation.