Israeli press: No decision yet to withdraw from Philadelphia Corridor in Gaza

Under the current prisoner swap agreement, Israel has pledged to withdraw from the Philadelphia Corridor on the 42nd day of the agreement, Israeli state television KAN reported.

"Israel has not yet decided whether it will withdraw from the Philadelphia Corridor on the last day of the agreement, as it has promised," said one official, who asked not to be named. The official noted that this "depends on whether the ceasefire is extended, as Israel and the United States want."

Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich opposes withdrawal from the Philadelphia Corridor.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on the other hand, sees this situation as one of the factors that could determine the fate of the "Gaza agreement", as he is concerned that the party will leave the coalition and the government will fall.

THREE STAGES OF THE CERTAINTY

The agreement between Hamas and Israel, which came into effect on Sunday, January 19, consists of three phases, each lasting 42 days. The first phase of the agreement expires on March 1.

According to the Gaza ceasefire and prisoner swap agreement, Israel is obliged to begin withdrawing from the Philadelphia Corridor on the 42nd day after the ceasefire comes into effect and to complete the withdrawal on the 52nd day. The 42nd day in question falls on Saturday, March 1.

The Israeli army captured the Rafah Border Crossing on May 7, 2024, and later occupied the Philadelphi Corridor. This is denied by Palestinian groups, the Palestinian Authority and Egypt .