In a new development complicating ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, the American news site “Axios” revealed an Egyptian rejection of a new Israeli map for the Philadelphi Route, the strategic border strip between Gaza and Egypt. This development comes amid increasing U.S. pressure on Israel to show more flexibility in this sensitive issue.
Key Points:
Israeli Position:
- Netanyahu insists on full control over the Philadelphi Route.
- A new map is presented showing a partial withdrawal while retaining forces along the route.
Egyptian and American Response:
- Egypt rejects the new Israeli map.
- The United States deems the Israeli plan impractical.
American Pressure:
- An expected call between Biden and Netanyahu to urge him to show more flexibility.
- Blinken affirms opposition to any long-term Israeli occupation of parts of Gaza.
Internal Israeli Division:
- Defense Minister Gallant and security agencies see the possibility of risk reduction with a withdrawal from Philadelphi.
- Warnings about the impact of hardline positions on the fate of hostages and the risk of regional war.
Hamas Position:
- Calls for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, including the Philadelphi Route.
This disagreement over the Philadelphi Route constitutes a major obstacle to reaching a ceasefire agreement. The contrast between the hardline Israeli position and international and internal pressures for flexibility highlights the complexity of the negotiation landscape and prolongs the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
