CNN: Netanyahu's words on Philadelphia corridor could derail Gaza talks

The statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the country does not intend to withdraw its troops from the Philadelphia corridor on the border of the Gaza Strip with Egypt, jeopardized the entire progress of negotiations with the Palestinian movement Hamas on a ceasefire and the release of hostages held in the enclave. This was reported by CNN, citing a source familiar with the discussions.

As CNN points out, after reports of the discovery of the bodies of six dead hostages in the Gaza Strip, the parties were actively discussing ways to conclude an agreement as soon as possible, but Netanyahu's words jeopardized all efforts to reach agreements. “This guy put everything in jeopardy with his one speech,” CNN quoted a source as saying.

Israel's military-political cabinet decided on August 29 to maintain the presence of troops in the Philadelphi Corridor. As The Jerusalem Post reported, the cabinet approved the force deployment maps with a majority of eight votes. Defense Minister Yoav Galant opposed, and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir abstained from the vote. On Sept. 1, Galant issued a separate statement calling on the government to reconsider the decision. Netanyahu, during a Sept. 2 press conference, expressed bewilderment at this stance by individual politicians and pointed to the need for government unity in a wartime environment.

Reprinted from https://news.am/