February 27th 2025.
In a recent development, an official has stated that Israel will not be withdrawing from the strategic corridor in the Gaza Strip, despite the ceasefire agreement that called for it. This decision could potentially cause tension with Hamas and Egypt, who have been key mediators in the fragile truce.
According to the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, Israeli forces need to remain in the Philadelphi corridor on the Gaza side of the border with Egypt in order to prevent weapons smuggling. This statement comes just hours after Hamas released the remains of four hostages in exchange for over 600 Palestinian prisoners, marking the end of the first phase of the ceasefire. However, talks for the second, more difficult stage have yet to begin.
The initial agreement was for Israel to begin withdrawing from the Philadelphi corridor on Saturday and complete the process within eight days. However, with this recent announcement, it is uncertain whether this will happen as planned. The upcoming visit of US President Donald Trump's Mideast envoy, Steve Witkoff, could potentially play a significant role in the situation.
So far, there has been no official response from Hamas or Egypt. However, earlier on Thursday, Hamas stated that the only way for Israel to secure the release of the remaining hostages is through negotiations and by adhering to the ceasefire agreement.
The four remains released on Thursday have been identified as Ohad Yahalomi, Itzhak Elgarat, Shlomo Mantzur, and Tsachi Idan. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which represents the families of the captives, confirmed their identities. Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed his condolences, while French President Emmanuel Macron shared the pain of the family of Yahalomi, who was a French citizen.
Over 600 prisoners were also released overnight, with most being returned to Gaza where they had been detained without charge on security suspicions. The released prisoners were welcomed by crowds of relatives and well-wishers in Gaza and the West Bank. Some of the prisoners expressed their gratitude by falling to their knees, while others burned or threw away the shirts they were given by the Israeli prison service.
The release of these prisoners marks the end of the first phase of the ceasefire, which was brokered by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar. Talks for the second phase were supposed to begin in early February, but it is unclear if this will happen now. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised to return all the hostages and destroy the military and governing capabilities of Hamas, with the support of the Trump administration. However, it is uncertain how this can be achieved without resuming the war, and it is unlikely that Hamas will release the remaining hostages without a lasting ceasefire.
The 15-month-long war, which began after Hamas' attack on southern Israel in 2023, resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people and the displacement of 90% of Gaza's population. The fighting also caused extensive damage to the territory's infrastructure and health system. While the ceasefire has brought some relief, the situation remains fragile and any potential actions by either side could potentially jeopardize it.
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