Border corridor becomes sticking point in Gaza truce talks

A narrow stretch of land along the Gaza’s border with Egypt has emerged as the main stumbling block in negotiations for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, according to AFP. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants Israel to retain control of Philadelphi corridor, which it seized during the conflict, to prevent the group from rearming through underground smuggling tunnels.

The 14-kilometer corridor was built as a patrol road by Israel during its occupation of Gaza between 1967 and 2005, and reportedly has tunnels under it which has allowed the smuggling of weapons and goods into the enclave. Its control remains a pivotal issue impeding progress in negotiations hosted in Cairo.

Hamas demands a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. A senior Egyptian official this week echoed this stance, calling for Israeli forces to quit the corridor and Rafah border crossing with Egypt.