Big worry for Hamas and Egypt as Israel refuses to vacate Philadelphi Corridor, reason is…

The Israeli delegation includes officials from the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad and Shin Bet security agency, the sources told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

Gaza-Egypt border: In a major update amid the ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel has refused to relinquish the Philadelphia Corridor, despite the ceasefire agreement with Hamas. The corridor, a 100-meter-wide and 14-kilometer-long strip along the Gaza-Egypt border, remains under Israeli control. Additionally, Israel has announced it will maintain authority over the Rafah border crossing during the initial phase of the ceasefire. A statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on Wednesday dismissed claims that the Palestinian Authority would oversee the border. Here are all the updates you should know about the current scenario.

Israeli delegation in Cairo for talks on 2nd phase of Gaza ceasefire

An Israeli security delegation arrived in Cairo to continue negotiations on the implementation of the second phase of the recently-reached Gaza ceasefire-for-hostage release deal, according to well-informed Egyptian sources.

The Israeli delegation includes officials from the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad and Shin Bet security agency, the sources told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

“The discussions focused on the execution of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, including the reopening of the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing to allow the passage of injured Palestinians,” as per a report by IANS.

Talks over Philadelphi Corridor

The talks also addressed the presence of Israeli troops in the Philadelphi Corridor, located on the Gaza-Egypt border, with Israel seeking a partial withdrawal while Egypt insists on a full Israeli withdrawal from the area, according to the sources.

They added that the Egyptian and Israeli security officials discussed a further swap of Israeli hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails as per the terms of the deal, Xinhua news agency reported.

For those unversed, Israel and Hamas reached a three-stage ceasefire deal last week, mediated by Egypt, Qatar and the US, after more than 15 months of fighting.

What is Philadelphi corridor?

The Philadelphi corridor is a 14 km strip which is only 100 meters wide in some places. The corridor runs is 4-kilometers (8.6-mile) on the Gaza side of the border with Egypt. The corridor also includes the Rafah crossing, which was Gaza’s only outlet to the outside world. The Philadelphi corridor was not controlled by Israel until the IDF captured it in May last year.

(With inputs from agencies)