Amidst ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire with Hamas, Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer has shed light on a potential roadmap for the future of the Philadelphi Corridor, a key area separating Gaza from Egypt. While Dermer asserted that Israel has no immediate plans to withdraw from the Corridor in the initial phase of any agreement, he acknowledged that a complete withdrawal could be a possibility in later stages of the negotiations. This statement comes as a departure from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s earlier pronouncements that favored an indefinite Israeli presence in the region.
Dermer’s proposed multi-phase approach seeks to address concerns surrounding the security of the corridor. He highlighted the importance of establishing a solution that would prevent a repeat of the October 7th attacks by Hamas militants, emphasizing the need to dismantle Hamas’s ability to rearm. This initial phase, according to Dermer, would involve sustained Israeli presence along the corridor until a practical and viable security solution is implemented.
However, the future of the Philadelphi Corridor in subsequent phases remains open to negotiation. Dermer suggested that the final stage of negotiations could explore long-term security arrangements for the corridor, potentially leading to an Israeli withdrawal.
This nuanced position presented by Dermer adds another layer of complexity to the already intricate negotiation process with Hamas. It highlights the evolving dynamics within the Israeli government concerning the future of the Philadelphi Corridor and the potential for a long-term ceasefire agreement with Hamas. The final outcome of the negotiations remains uncertain, and further developments in the coming weeks and months will be closely watched by international observers.