Disagreements over the Philadelphi security corridor are again hindering a ceasefire agreement, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Digital on Thursday.
Hopes for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange, initially confirmed by the U.S. and Qatar on Wednesday, faltered by Thursday morning.
“Hamas is repeatedly making new demands at the last minute, despite prior agreements with mediators, including the U.S.,” said Prime Minister’s spokesperson Omer Dostri, echoing Netanyahu’s accusations of Hamas creating a last-minute crisis and reneging on negotiated terms.
When pressed by Digital for details on the issues delaying the Sunday implementation, Dostri cited renewed disputes over the security corridor between Gaza and Egypt.
“[Hamas is demanding] changes to the Israeli military deployment in the Philadelphi corridor,” Dostri stated, without elaborating on the specific disagreements.
This corridor has repeatedly been a major point of contention in negotiations, possibly contributing to the failure of a July deal to release American-Israeli Hersh Golberg-Polin, who, along with five other hostages, was later killed in a Gaza tunnel.
Jerusalem maintains this corridor is crucial for national security, fearing Hamas could use it for regrouping, smuggling, and collaborating with jihadist groups in Egypt’s Sinai.
In response to Digital, White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby stated, “We’re aware of these issues and are working through them with Israel and regional partners. We’re confident these details can be resolved, and the deal will proceed this weekend.”
Secretary of State Antony Blinken similarly affirmed the deal’s Sunday implementation to reporters.
The deal reportedly included the IDF’s presence in Gaza until all hostages are freed, with a subsequent withdrawal to a border security zone, according to the Times of Israel.
Specifics regarding the Philadelphi corridor within the agreement remain unclear, although a senior diplomatic official told The Times of Israel that Israeli soldiers would remain throughout the first phase of the ceasefire.
However, Ruby Chen, an IDF soldier presumed killed in the October 7, 2023, attacks and whose body was taken to Gaza, believes Israel’s right-wing demands threaten the hostage deal.
Chen pointed to right-wing government members like National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who repeatedly rejected any deal without the release of Israeli soldiers held by Hamas.
“Bibi’s coalition members are giving him a hard time, and he might be seeking a way out,” Chen said. “It’s easy to blame the other side.”
Another issue, according to Netanyahu’s spokesperson, is Hamas’ demands regarding the release of certain terrorists held by Israel, though Digital couldn’t confirm the specifics.
In exchange for hostages, Israel agreed to release dozens of Palestinian prisoners in the initial 42-day phase, starting with 33 prisoners in “humanitarian categories,” including the sick and elderly.
The second phase, to be negotiated on day 16, involves the release of soldiers, both living and dead. Reports suggest Israel might release over 1,000 prisoners eventually.
Chen strongly advocates for the release of all hostages, including the deceased, arguing that the staged release plan is insufficient.
“That might have been necessary seven months ago,” Chen said. “Now, everyone is considered humanitarian – including the deceased.
“The only predictable thing about the Middle East is its unpredictability,” Chen added. “It’s always on the verge of exploding.”
“`