In a direct challenge to U.S. President Joe Biden’s calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly refused to withdraw from the Philadelphia Corridor, a crucial border area between Gaza and Egypt.
This defiant stance threatens to derail ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict and further strains relations with Egypt, a key regional player.
Netanyahu's comments came just hours after President Biden announced that a ceasefire and hostage deal was nearing finalization, though he criticized Netanyahu for not doing enough to pursue peace.
Netanyahu, however, remained resolute, stating, "We are in a fateful war against the Iranian axis," and emphasizing that Hamas relies on the Philadelphia Corridor as a lifeline for weapons and supplies.
He made it clear that Israel's position on the corridor is non-negotiable, asserting, "Our exit from the Philadelphia Corridor made Gaza a major threat to us."
Netanyahu also expressed his deep sorrow over the failure to rescue six Israeli hostages, stating that his "heart breaks" for their families. He warned that any concessions now would be seen as yielding to Hamas, further emboldening them.
Despite international and domestic pressure, including criticism from Israeli Reserve Major General Yitzhak Brick, who warned that continued military operations in Gaza could lead to the army's weakening, Netanyahu vowed to maintain his hardline approach.
This escalation comes at a time when the Israeli military is intensifying its operations in Gaza, resulting in significant casualties and raising the stakes for all parties involved.
