Netanyahu insists on maintaining firm control of Gaza-Egypt border corridor until security concerns are addressed

The Philadelphi Corridor, a narrow strip of land along the Gaza-Egypt border, has become a major point of contention in ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that Israel must retain control over the corridor, citing concerns about weapons smuggling and Hamas's ability to use it as a lifeline. Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected a withdrawal from the corridor, stating that "until that happens, we're there." In contrast, Hamas has demanded a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, including the Philadelphi Corridor, as a condition for a ceasefire. Egypt, a mediator in the talks, has also called for a concrete timeline for Israeli troops to leave the corridor.