A narrow stretch of land on Gaza’s border with Egypt, called the Philadelphi corridor, has become a barrier in efforts to reach a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists on retaining control over the Philadelphi corridor to prevent Hamas from resupplying through underground smuggling tunnels, claiming it’s vital for Israel’s security.
However, many top officials, including Israel's defense minister, believe that the corridor could be key to negotiating the release of around 100 hostages still held by Hamas. This dispute escalated after Israel recovered the bodies of six hostages, which some argue could have been saved through a cease-fire deal. Netanyahu’s opponents accuse him of derailing peace efforts for political gain, while he blames Hamas for the stalled negotiations.
What Is The Philadelphi Corridor?
The Philadelphi corridor, also known as the Salah al-Din axis, is a narrow strip of land running along Gaza’s border with Egypt. It is just under nine miles in length and around 100 yards wide. The Rafah border crossing, a crucial supply route of ffood, medicine and other aid to reach Palestinians in Gaza. However, Israel argues that control of this corridor is essential to stop the flow of weapons into Gaza, but many in Israel’s security establishment disagree with that view They suggest that an international force or remote sensors could manage the border without direct Israeli control.
The axis of evil needs the Philadelphi corridor — we need to hold it," Netanyahu has insisted, calling the corridor a 'lifeline for Hamas' in the Gaza Strip. At the same time, debate over the corridor's importance has sparked fierce arguments within Israel's security cabinet, with some accusing Netanyahu of prioritizing territorial control over the lives of hostages. Moreover, Egypt, a key mediator, is strongly opposed to any Israeli military presence on its border with Gaza, warning that it could jeopardize the long-standing peace treaty between the two countries. Egypt and Hamas have both rejected Israel’s demands regarding the corridor.
Netanyahu’s supporters argue that conceding the corridor would reward Hamas for its attacks and undermine Israel's long-term security. Meanwhile, people in Gaza view any Israeli presence in the strip as an occupation, likely to extend the conflict and disrupt vital access points like the Rafah crossing, as per a report by the Associated Press.