US says Israel agrees to partial withdrawal from Philadelphi Corridor
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stands before a map of the Gaza Strip, telling viewers that Israel must retain control over the "Philadelphi corridor," a strategic area along the territory's border with Egypt, during a news conference in Jerusalem, September 2, 2024. (Reuters Photo)
The White House has announced that Israel has agreed to the terms of a cease-fire agreement in the Gaza Strip, which includes a partial withdrawal of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from areas along the Philadelphi Corridor.
Details of cease-fire agreement
“The deal itself, including the interim proposal (…), calls for the withdrawal of Israeli defense forces from all densely populated areas, including those located along and adjacent to this corridor,” said John Kirby, White House National Security Council spokesperson, during a press briefing.
“This is a proposal Israel has accepted,” he added.
Kirby emphasized that the urgency of this move became clear following the weekend discovery of six hostages’ bodies in Gaza, stating that “the importance of implementing this as soon as possible cannot be understated.”
US stance on Israeli forces in less populated areas
When pressed on whether the United States supports the IDF remaining in less populated areas along the Philadelphi Corridor, Kirby declined to provide further details.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed concerns at a Jerusalem press conference on Monday.
He warned that a temporary military withdrawal from the corridor, even for the 42-day first phase of the agreement, could enable Hamas to regroup and rearm.
“If the army left the corridor, even temporarily, Hamas would have time to rearm, rebuild, and commit more mass killings,” Netanyahu remarked, stressing the security risks associated with the withdrawal.
Regional reactions: Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman
Observers interpreted Netanyahu’s comments as an indirect criticism of Egypt, which has been advocating for the IDF’s complete withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor.
Egypt’s demand for an Israeli withdrawal is echoed by regional allies Qatar and Saudi Arabia, both of whom have voiced strong support for Cairo’s position.
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement condemning Israel’s handling of the situation.
“The Israeli occupation’s approach, based on attempts to mislead the international community by repeating lies, will ultimately lead to the failure of peace efforts and an increase in violence in the region,” said the statement.
The ministry added that Netanyahu “tried to use Egypt’s name to distract Israeli public opinion and undermine joint mediation efforts for a Gaza ceasefire and the exchange of hostages and detainees.”
The Foreign Ministry of Oman has also expressed Oman’s solidarity and full support for Egypt in rejecting and condemning Israeli statements regarding the Philadelphi Corridor in the Gaza Strip.
‘Absurd attempts to justify the continuous Israeli violations of int’l laws’
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also criticized Netanyahu’s accusations, characterizing them as “a futile attempt to justify Israel’s ongoing violations of international laws and norms.”
In a show of support for Egypt, the kingdom reaffirmed its backing of Cairo, stating that it “confirms its solidarity and support for the Arab Republic of Egypt in confronting these Israeli accusations.”
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