Israeli Official Denies Phased Withdrawal Of IDF From Philadelphia Corridor In First Stage Of Ceasefire

JAKARTA - A senior Israeli diplomatic official denied the country approved a gradual withdrawal of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) personnel from the Philadelphia Corridor along the border between Gaza and Egypt since the start of the ceasefire.

The official said Israeli forces would remain in the area "over the first phase, for 42 days."

The number of troops stationed there will remain the same, the official said, "but will be distributed in different ways, including outposts, patrols, observation points, and controls along the route," as reported by The Times of Israel January 16.

Only on the 16th day of the first phase, the official said, negotiations to end the war would begin, and "if Hamas does not approve Israel's demands to end the war, Israel will remain in Philadelphia Corridor as well on day 42 and also day 50."

Practically, the official added, "Israel remains in Philadelphia with further notice."

Negotiators reached a gradual agreement on Wednesday to end the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas after 15 months of conflict since October 7, 2023, fueling tensions in the Middle East. This will take effect on Sunday.

The deal includes the gradual release of hostages arrested by Hamas-led militants, in exchange for Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons.

The deal is also expected to ease tensions in the Middle East sparked by the conflict in Gaza, then ignite the occupied West Bank of Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iran, raising fears of Israel's war with Iran.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani said there would be a "follow-up mechanism" consisting of representatives from the United States, Qatar and Egypt who will headquarter in Cairo, responsible for monitoring the implementation of the hostage release agreement and the ceasefire.

The leaked version of the agreement, whose authenticity was later confirmed to The Times of Israel, said the Israeli side "will gradually reduce troops in corridor areas during stage 1 based on the accompanying map and agreements between the two sides."

On the 42nd day, the deal said, "Israeli troops will begin their troop withdrawals and complete them no later than the 50th day."