Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has underscored the critical importance of maintaining control over the Philadelphi Corridor, a narrow strip of land along Gaza’s border with Egypt. Netanyahu argues that this corridor is essential to preventing Hamas from rearming, describing it as “the oxygen of Hamas.” This demand has become a central issue in ongoing negotiations, especially concerning the release of hostages held by Hamas.

The Strategic Importance of the Philadelphi Corridor

The Philadelphi Corridor, a 14-kilometer-long and 100-meter-wide strip along the Gaza-Egypt border, was established as a buffer zone to prevent smuggling and unauthorized movement between Gaza and Egypt as part of the 1979 Israel-Egypt peace treaty. Initially controlled by Israeli forces, the corridor has been a focal point in Israel’s security strategy. After Israel’s 2005 withdrawal from Gaza, control of the corridor was handed to Egypt and the Palestinian Authority. However, the rise of Hamas in 2007 changed the security dynamics, with smuggling tunnels proliferating under the corridor.

Egypt’s Role and the Rafah Crossing

Egypt plays a key role in the Philadelphi Corridor, especially as the guarantor of the Israel-Egypt peace treaty. However, the situation has become more complex with Hamas in control of Gaza. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has firmly opposed the displacement of Palestinians into Egyptian territory. The Rafah crossing, located within the corridor, is the only passage between Gaza and Egypt not controlled by Israel, making it a critical route for humanitarian aid during the ongoing conflict. Despite the challenges, reports suggest that Egypt might consider allowing some Israeli security presence along the corridor, provided it doesn’t involve a permanent military occupation.

The Netzarim Corridor’s Strategic Significance

While much attention is focused on the Philadelphi Corridor, Israel is also concerned with the Netzarim Corridor, an 8-kilometer stretch within Gaza that connects Gaza City to central Gaza. This corridor has become strategically important for Israel, helping to isolate northern Gaza and tighten its blockade. Israel’s control over the Netzarim Corridor has facilitated military operations and the monitoring of goods entering Gaza.

Impact on Peace Negotiations

Netanyahu’s insistence on maintaining control over these corridors has complicated ceasefire negotiations and efforts to secure the release of hostages. Hamas has offered to release all hostages in exchange for the withdrawal of Israeli forces, but Israel’s demands, particularly concerning the Philadelphi Corridor, remain a significant obstacle. The deadlock has also revealed divisions within the Israeli government, with Defence Minister Yoav Gallant reportedly clashing with Netanyahu over prioritizing border control over the lives of hostages. Despite these challenges, Netanyahu has remained resolute, with an official confirming that Gallant was the only security cabinet member to oppose maintaining control over the corridor. Both Hamas and Egypt have strongly opposed Israel’s reoccupation of the corridor, warning that it could escalate the conflict further.