Israel's refusal to withdraw threatens Gaza ceasefire

Israel is refusing to withdraw from the Philadelphi corridor, a narrow strip along the Gaza-Egypt border, despite a ceasefire agreement with Hamas. This decision could jeopardize the fragile truce established last month. Under the ceasefire, Israel was to begin its withdrawal on Saturday, but an Israeli official stated that troops would remain to prevent weapons smuggling. Hamas has condemned this as a violation of the agreement. Negotiations for the next phase of the ceasefire, which involves the release of hostages, have not yet started. The situation remains tense, with potential implications for Israel's relations with Egypt, a key mediator in the conflict.