Israel refuses to withdraw from Gaza corridor, jeopardizing ceasefire

Israel has announced it will not withdraw from the Philadelphi corridor, a strategic area on Gaza's border with Egypt, despite a ceasefire agreement with Hamas. This decision threatens the ongoing ceasefire and the release of remaining hostages. Israeli officials stated that maintaining a presence in the corridor is necessary to prevent weapons smuggling by Hamas. The withdrawal was initially scheduled to start on Saturday and be completed within eight days. Hamas has emphasized that negotiations and adherence to the ceasefire are essential for securing the release of hostages. Egypt has also called for Israel to withdraw its troops from the corridor.