Netanyahu insists on maintaining Israeli control over Gaza’s Philadelphi Corridor, complicating cease-fire talks

JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to insist on retaining control over the Philadelphi Corridor on the Egypt-Gaza border, according to Israeli public broadcaster KAN on Thursday.

His firm stance remains a major obstacle in ongoing cease-fire and prisoner swap negotiations between Israel and Hamas.

Netanyahu reportedly reaffirmed his position during a call with US President Joe Biden, despite continued mediation efforts led by the US, Qatar, and Egypt.

The Gaza cease-fire talks, which will resume in Cairo later this week, have yet to overcome the deadlock, with both Israel and Hamas maintaining rigid conditions.

Hamas has rejected the latest proposal, which it says aligns with Netanyahu’s demands for Israeli control over strategic locations, including the Philadelphi Corridor, further complicating efforts to achieve a permanent cease-fire. — Agencies