Israel refuses to withdraw from Gaza corridor

Israel has announced it will not withdraw from a strategic corridor in the Gaza Strip, despite a ceasefire agreement. This decision could lead to tensions with Hamas and Egypt as the truce nears its end. Hamas recently released the remains of four hostages in exchange for over 600 Palestinian prisoners. This was the last planned swap in the current phase of the ceasefire, which expires this weekend. The situation remains delicate, with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff expected to visit the region soon. Negotiations for a more challenging second phase of the ceasefire have not yet begun.