The Philadelphi Corridor - Vitally Important

The latest news reports about ceasefire negotiations say that disagreement over the continued Israeli presence in two important areas of the Gaza Strip are blocking progress. Sources close to the negotiations say Hamas is especially concerned about Benjamin Netanyahu’s demand to keep troops deployed along the Netzarim Corridor and the Philadelphi Corridor.

This issue has even brought Netanyahu into conflict with Israeli ceasefire negotiators, who seem prepared to relinquish control of the Philadelphi Corridor. Israel’s prime minister also faces criticism from families of hostages for insisting on maintaining control despite many calls for more flexibility so as to reach an agreement.

Yet, from the perspective of Israel’s security, control of the Philadelphi Corridor is essential to stop Hamas from maintaining and even expanding its ability to continue launching attacks on Israel. Taking control of the corridor appears to be a major step forward in the conflict by the Israel Defence Forces.

Israel’s Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, recently announced that 150 tunnels along the Egypt-Gaza border have been destroyed and there are ongoing efforts to eliminate more that remain.

This report from i24 News covers the discovery of a tunnel large enough for a truck to drive through.