Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has assured U.S. President Joe Biden that the Israeli army will pull back 1 kilometer from the 14-kilometer Philadelphi Corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border, with only a few military sites remaining. This commitment is part of ongoing discussions between the two countries regarding the military offensive in Gaza and regional security.
Although the exact timing of the withdrawal and the number of military sites to be left have not been specified, the Philadelphi Corridor is a crucial point in negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
Efforts by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt to broker an agreement between the two sides for a prisoner exchange and humanitarian aid access to Gaza have been hindered by Netanyahu’s refusal to meet Hamas demands.
The continued Israeli offensive in Gaza since October 7 following a Hamas attack has led to significant casualties and widespread destruction. The blockade has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, prompting accusations of genocide against Israel at the International Court of Justice.