Israel refuses to withdraw, risking Gaza ceasefire

Israel has decided not to withdraw from the Philadelphi corridor, a narrow strip along the Gaza-Egypt border, despite a ceasefire agreement with Hamas that called for a pullout. Israeli forces will remain to prevent weapons smuggling. The ceasefire, established last month, required Israel to start withdrawing by Saturday and complete it within eight days. This refusal may be viewed as a breach of the agreement by Hamas and Egypt, which could jeopardize the fragile truce. Negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire, involving the release of hostages, have not progressed significantly. The situation remains tense, with potential implications for Israel's relations with Egypt and the ongoing conflict in the region.