It has been revealed that the continued presence of troops along major routes between Israel and Gaza remains a key point of contention in the ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
According to Reuters, officials from the United States and Egypt have held talks to explore a compromise between Israel and Hamas, including the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. Mediators from the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar are planning to meet in Cairo on the 22nd and 23rd to prepare a proposal that bridges the gap between the demands of Israel and Hamas.
Hamas is demanding a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, but Israel aims to maintain control by keeping troops stationed along the Philadelphi Route and the Netzarim Route. The Philadelphi Route is a 14km buffer zone along the border between Egypt and Gaza, while the Netzarim Route is a thoroughfare created by Israel from the eastern separation barrier in Gaza to the western Mediterranean coast.
In particular, the Philadelphi Route is crucial as it involves border control between Gaza and Egypt, a point of interest for Egypt as well, with Reuters reporting that Egypt also desires withdrawal of Israeli troops in this area.
In a notable shift, one source familiar with the ceasefire negotiations mentioned that Israel reversed its stance on the issue of the return of Palestinian residents to northern Gaza, saying “let’s agree on it later.”
Furthermore, Hamas has rejected Israel’s proposal to relocate or grant asylum to Palestinian detainees to countries other than Gaza or the West Bank of the Jordan River, emphasizing their disapproval.
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