ALBAWABA- The American news outlet "Axios" reports that President Joe Biden plans to speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to urge greater flexibility regarding the Gaza-Egypt border during ceasefire talks.
Biden's intervention comes as Israel faces growing international pressure to soften its stance on the Philadelphi Corridor, a 14.5-kilometer strip along Gaza's southern border with Egypt.
In the ongoing ceasefire negotiations, Hamas is demanding a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, including from the Philadelphi Corridor.
Israel, however, insists on maintaining control over the corridor, citing security concerns over smuggling tunnels used by armed groups in Gaza.
Israeli, Egyptian, and American officials met in Cairo recently to discuss the situation.
However, Egypt flatly rejected Israel's proposal, which involved reducing some forces but keeping Israeli troops stationed along the corridor.
The United States also informed Israel that this plan was not feasible, further complicating the talks.
Netanyahu has reportedly told U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken that he insists on full Israeli military control of the Philadelphi Corridor, a stance that U.S. officials believe could jeopardize the chances of reaching a ceasefire agreement and endanger hostages still held in Gaza.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and security chiefs have indicated they can manage the risks of withdrawing forces from the corridor.
However, Netanyahu's continued demands could delay a potential agreement, heightening the risk of a broader regional conflict.
