Israel proposes a fresh plan for the Philadelphi Route, addressing Hamas
The recent Israeli proposal, showcasing a layout of Israeli forces' intended locations, indicates a decrease in troops and military outposts along the strategic area bordering Egypt, as mentioned by an Israeli insider. Previously, Egyptian negotiators had dismissed the Israeli map and refused to relay it to Hamas, labeling it as unviable.
The Philadelphi corridor, a 14-kilometer (8.7-mile) stretch of land in southern Gaza along Egypt's border, is a contentious area with the IDF currently overseeing it.
The presence of Israeli forces in the Philadelphi corridor during the initial phase of a truce agreement has been a significant point of disagreement between Israel and Hamas. While Israel insists on preserving jurisdiction over the border sector, Hamas has called for Israeli troops to vacate the area.
Hamas' reaction to the new proposal will influence whether they send delegates to the anticipated summit in Cairo scheduled for Sunday. If they participate, both parties might engage in genuine discussions – with their respective delegations situated in separate rooms, and Egyptian and Qatari mediators shuttling between the two.
The new proposal stems from an extended session between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his negotiating squad on Thursday. During this meeting, Netanyahu consented to a decrease in troop numbers, following a conversation with US President Joe Biden, who urged Netanyahu to exhibit more adaptability over the Philadelphi corridor.
The reduction in Israeli troops and military outposts along the Philadelphi corridor, as suggested in the recent proposal, has potential implications for the politics of the region. Hamas, in response to this proposal, has expressed its desire for Israeli forces to withdraw completely from the area.
