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Khan Yunis (Gaza Strip): Israel will not withdraw from a strategic corridor in Gaza under the ceasefire. An official has given information about this. Israel’s decision can create a crisis with Hamas and key mediator Egypt regarding the ceasefire. This development has happened at a time when recently Hamas handed over the bodies of four Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of more than 600 Palestinian prisoners. This was a pre-decided exchange in the first phase of the ceasefire.
What is Israel going to do
The official said on the condition of anonymity that the Israeli army needs to remain in the so-called Philadelphi corridor located on the Gaza border with Egypt. He said that the Israeli army will remain in the so-called Philadelphi corridor to prevent smuggling of weapons. Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a meeting with local leaders that he had seen tunnels across the border during a recent visit to the corridor. However, he did not provide any evidence about this nor did he elaborate on Israel’s plans. Hamas has said that any Israeli attempt to maintain a ‘buffer zone’ in the corridor would be a violation of the ceasefire agreement.
Israeli Army convoy
Will there be talks on the second phase of the ceasefire?
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is ending this weekend. Talks on the second phase are yet to begin. What happens next will depend on the visit of US President Donald Trump’s West Asia affairs envoy Steve Witkoff. Witkoff is expected to visit the region in the coming days. Hamas has said that sticking to the agreement is the only way for Israel to ensure the release of dozens of people still held hostage in Gaza. Hamas has so far handed over 33 hostages, including eight bodies, in exchange for about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
How many hostages does Hamas have now?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to return all the hostages and destroy Hamas’ military strength. The Trump administration has supported this. Hamas now holds only 59 hostages, 32 of whom are said to be dead. About 150 people have been released under ceasefire agreements or other agreements, while dozens of bodies have been recovered by the Israeli army and eight hostages have been rescued alive. According to Palestinian health officials, more than 48,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli military attacks. More than half of the dead are women and children.
