Benjamin Netanyahu’s requirement of Israelis for control over the Philadelphia Corridor single-handedly has been the biggest issue in negotiations for ending the conflict and releasing the hostages in the Gaza Strip.
This policy decision did not change even after the killing of six hostages throughout the country. The Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, insisted on the control of the Philadelphi Corridor.
The main issue causing tension is Netanyahu’s insistence for Israel to control the Philadelphi Corridor, which measures 8-9 miles (13-14 km) along the Egypt-Gaza border, concerning the call for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages. The demand was not included in the earlier plan proposed in May, which Biden elaborated on in May this year.
With six hostages found dead in a tunnel in Rafah, Gaza, last week, Israelis mourn the fallen and demonstrate their frustration at Netanyahu for not doing enough to save the hostages.
There is also resentment at his apparent avarice to overcomplicate the dealing of the hostage release. But Netanyahu, for his part, has emphasized the fact that the control of the Philadelphia Corridor by Israel is needful.
On Monday, while addressing the nation, Netanyahu warned that if Israel left the Philadelphi Corridor, then the Hamas would get rearmed and restored and would come again with an attack as catastrophic as the October 7 one. He said that controlling the strip was a “strategic mission.”
He further said that the death of the hostages was not a result of the non-signing of the agreement.
