Israel will not withdraw military forces from the Gaza-Egypt border, according to an Israeli source, despite prior plans contingent on a ceasefire extension. The military’s presence in the Philadelphi Corridor is deemed essential to prevent Hamas from re-establishing capabilities. Current negotiations for a ceasefire extension remain unclear.
Israel has stated it will not withdraw its military forces from the Gaza-Egypt border, as confirmed by an Israeli source. Initially, a withdrawal was planned to commence in early March, contingent upon the extension of the current ceasefire, which is set to expire on Saturday. The source communicated to CNN that the Israeli military aims to maintain their presence in the Philadelphi Corridor, a strategic 14-kilometer (8-mile) area along the border.
The Israeli official reportedly emphasized, “We will not allow Hamas murderers to roam again with trucks and rifles on our borders, and we will not let them strengthen themselves again through smuggling.” This firm stance reflects significant security concerns regarding Hamas activities in the region. The Israeli military has controlled this corridor since May and had discussions regarding a potential withdrawal as part of a second phase in the truce agreement, though it remains uncertain whether negotiations for this phase have begun.
As this situation develops, it is important to monitor the ongoing dynamics and responses from both Israeli and Hamas authorities. This report is considered breaking news and will be updated with new information as it becomes available.
In summary, Israel has decided against withdrawing its military forces from the Gaza-Egypt border, prioritizing the security of its borders over a potential ceasefire extension. The situation remains fluid, and further developments in negotiations and regional stability are anticipated.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
