ALBAWABA - According to reports, Israel has not wavered in its resolve to maintain a military presence in the region that separates Gaza from Egypt, known as the Philadelphi Corridor.
Israeli Government Spokesperson David Mercer issued a statement after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met, reaffirming Netanyahu's unwavering position on the matter. According to Mercer, the Prime Minister is committed to "maintaining the physical presence of the Israeli military in the Philadelphi Corridor."
Mercer also mentioned that talks are still going on over a cease-fire and a prisoner swap in Gaza. "We are working towards establishing a framework agreement based on the principles presented by the United States in May to secure the return of our citizens," he stated.
Netanyahu had earlier voiced misgivings about a draft ceasefire that US President Joe Biden had offered on May 27, claiming that it was not the same as what Israel had planned. Consequently, he asked for the insertion of some further requirements.
Along with preserving Israeli control over the Rafah Border Crossing, the Israeli Prime Minister also insisted on keeping Israel's hold over the Philadelphi Corridor, which runs parallel to Gaza, and the Netzarim Corridor, which splits Gaza.
