Israel will not withdraw from Gaza's Philadelphi corridor

An Israeli official announced on February 27, 2025, that Israel will not withdraw from the Philadelphi corridor in Gaza, despite a ceasefire agreement. This decision may heighten tensions with Hamas and Egypt as the ceasefire's first phase ends this weekend. Hamas recently released the remains of four hostages in exchange for over 600 Palestinian prisoners. This exchange marks the conclusion of the first phase of the ceasefire, with negotiations for a more complex second phase yet to begin. The released prisoners included men, teenagers, and one woman, with many expressing gratitude upon their return. The ceasefire, brokered by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, followed 15 months of conflict that began after a Hamas attack in 2023.