In a bid to revive stalled ceasefire talks, Egypt is set to deliver a revised Israeli proposal on the Philadelphi corridor to Hamas, following Israel’s submission of a new plan on Thursday. The proposal, which includes a map of Israeli troop deployments, is seen as a crucial step towards securing a ceasefire deal to halt the ongoing fighting in Gaza.
According to a diplomat and an Israeli source familiar with the talks, the revised proposal reduces the number of Israeli troops and military posts along the strategic corridor bordering Egypt. This concession comes after Egyptian negotiators rejected Israel’s previous proposal, deeming it a non-starter.
The Philadelphi corridor, a 14-kilometer strip of land in southern Gaza, has been a major point of contention between Israel and Hamas. Israel has insisted on maintaining control of the border zone, while Hamas has demanded the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the area.
The deployment of Israeli troops along the Philadelphi corridor during the first phase of a ceasefire agreement has been a significant stumbling block in the negotiations. Israel claims that its presence is necessary to prevent the smuggling of goods and arms into Gaza, while Hamas sees it as an attempt to perpetuate the occupation and undermine Palestinian sovereignty.
Hamas’ response to the revised proposal will be critical in determining the next steps in the negotiations. If the movement accepts the proposal, it is likely to send negotiators to a planned summit in Cairo on Sunday, where true negotiations could take place. The summit would involve Egyptian and Qatari mediators shuttling between the Israeli and Hamas delegations, who would occupy separate rooms.
The revised proposal is seen as a positive development, but many Palestinians remain skeptical about Israel’s intentions. “We have seen many proposals and promises from Israel, but they have consistently failed to deliver,” said a Gaza resident. “We need a comprehensive agreement that addresses the root causes of the conflict, not just a temporary fix.”
The ongoing fighting in Gaza has resulted in widespread destruction and displacement, with thousands of Palestinians forced to flee their homes. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with many struggling to access basic necessities like food, water, and healthcare.
As the negotiations continue, the international community has called for an immediate ceasefire and the lifting of the blockade. The United States, in particular, has been criticized for its failure to pressure Israel to end its aggression and work towards a peaceful resolution.
In a statement, Hamas spokesperson Fawzi Barhoum emphasized the need for a comprehensive agreement that addresses the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people. “We will not accept any proposal that does not include the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Philadelphi corridor and the lifting of the blockade,” he said.
As the fate of the ceasefire talks hangs in the balance, Palestinians in Gaza remain hopeful that a just and lasting solution can be reached. The delivery of the revised Israeli proposal to Hamas is seen as a positive step, but many are aware that the road to peace is long and fraught with challenges.
In the coming days, all eyes will be on Hamas’ response to the revised proposal and the outcome of the planned summit in Cairo. One thing is certain, however: the Palestinian people will continue to demand their rights and fight for their freedom, no matter the obstacles or challenges that lie ahead.
