Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is standing firm on Israeli control of the Philadelphi Corridor, a key Gaza border strip, as he faces mounting pressure to secure the release of captives held in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s stance comes in the wake of recent developments in the ongoing conflict. Over the weekend, Israeli forces recovered the bodies of six captives, including 23-year-old American-Israeli Hersh Goldberg-Polin. The recovery has intensified calls for Netanyahu to take more decisive action to negotiate the release of the remaining captives.
Despite facing domestic protests and international pressure, including from U.S. President Joe Biden, Netanyahu remains resolute. He insists that Israeli control over the Philadelphi Corridor is crucial for preventing Hamas, which governs Gaza, from using the area for weapons smuggling. Netanyahu described the corridor as “the oxygen of Hamas” and rejected any compromise, asserting that he is fully committed to the cause of freeing the hostages. “No one is more committed to freeing the hostages than me … No one will preach to me on this issue,” Netanyahu declared.
President Biden has expressed frustration with Netanyahu’s stance. Speaking from the White House on Monday, Biden suggested that Netanyahu’s approach was inadequate and indicated that the U.S. plans to present a final proposal to both sides this week. “We’re very close to that,” Biden said, adding, “Hope springs eternal,” when asked about the likelihood of a successful resolution.
Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri responded to Biden’s criticism by asserting that it represented an acknowledgment of Netanyahu’s role in impeding progress towards a deal. Abu Zuhri indicated that Hamas would consider a proposal leading to a ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
In Israel, protests continued for a second day, with the largest trade union initiating a general strike to push the government toward a resolution on the captives’ return. Negotiations mediated by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt have yet to produce a breakthrough.
The conflict, ignited on October 7 when Hamas fighters launched a surprise attack on Israel, has resulted in significant casualties. According to Israeli reports, the attack killed 1,139 people and resulted in approximately 250 captives. In retaliation, Israel has conducted an extensive assault on Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of over 40,000 Palestinians and the displacement of nearly the entire population of 2.3 million in the territory.