Israeli cabinet approves continued presence of soldiers on Philadelphi Corridor: Report
Israel’s government has approved the continued presence of its soldiers along the Philadelphi Corridor in southern Gaza, believing the move will strengthen its negotiating position in ceasefire discussions with Hamas, the Haaretz newspaper reports.
Haaretz, citing sources present at a cabinet meeting on Thursday night, said eight members supported the move, while Defence Minister Yoav Gallant opposed it, and far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir abstained.
The report suggested those in favour of the move at the meeting argued it would make a deal more likely as Hamas would be forced to compromise on the issue.
The Philadelphi Corridor is the narrow strip of land separating Egypt and southern Gaza. Israel has claimed the area was used to smuggle weapons to Hamas prior to October 7, facilitating the attack on southern Israel.
Captives’ families slam Netanyahu for Philadelphi Corridor decision
A statement from a group representing the families, carried by Israeli broadcaster Channel 12, has denounced the recent Israeli security cabinet decision to leave troops in the Philadelphi Corridor, a strip of land running along Gaza’s southern border with Egypt.
“After almost a year of neglect, Netanyahu does not miss an opportunity to make sure that there will be no deal” for the release of their loved ones, the statement reads.
“There is not a day when Netanyahu does not act in a real way to endanger the return of all the abductees home.”
The presence of Israeli troops in this area has become a major sticking point in ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza, and as we reported earlier, the cabinet voted overwhelmingly to approve the presence of troops there.
Israeli delegation leaves truce talks in Qatar: Report
The Israeli newspaper Haaretz reports that the Israeli negotiating team that attended truce talks in Qatar has returned to Israel.
The newspaper said the delegation which travelled to Qatar on Tuesday included representatives from Shin Bet, Israel’s internal intelligence service, Mossad, its foreign intelligence agency and the Israeli military.
Haaretz, citing Israeli sources, reported that there had “been no breakthroughs in the talks thus far regarding the red lines set forth by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu“.
These included the issues of inspections at the Netzarim route, the presence of Israeli forces on the Philadelphi Corridor, and the manning of the Rafah crossing.
Hamas has blamed Israel and Netanyahu for the lack of progress during the talks, with the PM accused of imposing new demands and not being serious about reaching a ceasefire.
Israeli government extends reservists order: Reports
Israeli newspaper Haaretz and Israeli Army Radio report that the Israeli government has extended an order permitting the recruitment of 350,000 reservists until the end of 2024.
