In the context of the ongoing negotiations to discuss a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of Israeli detainees, amid the controversial points, the New York Times quoted Israeli officials and a senior Western diplomat as saying that Israel and Egypt discussed the withdrawal of the Israeli army from the Philadelphia axis on the border with the Gaza Strip.

The American newspaper promised this transformation, which might remove one of the main obstacles to reaching a ceasefire agreement with Hamas.

She pointed out that the discussions between Israel and Egypt are part of a series of diplomatic moves aimed at reaching a truce and putting the Strip on the “next day” post-war path.

The newspaper quoted Hamas officials on Monday as saying that China will host meetings of the movement with Fatah next week in an attempt to bridge the gaps within the Palestinian territories.

Meanwhile, Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi is visiting Washington this week to hold meetings at the White House.

Controversial points

Negotiations on a truce appear to have gained momentum in recent days, but many points of contention remain. One of these points relates to the duration of the ceasefire, as Hamas demands that the ceasefire be permanent, while Israel wants a temporary ceasefire.

Hamas also demands Israeli withdrawal from areas that include the border between Egypt and Gaza as a basic condition for a ceasefire.

The New York Times said that the Israeli occupation of the Rafah crossing led to tension in relations between Israel and Egypt, which warned that this measure would cause great harm and may threaten Egyptian national security.

The Israeli government is reluctant to withdraw, saying that this would make it easier for Hamas to rearm its arsenal and reimpose its authority over Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday that he “insists that Israel remain on the Philadelphia Corridor.”

However, in private discussions last week with Egyptian officials, senior Israeli envoys indicated that Israel might be prepared to withdraw if Egypt agreed to measures that would prevent weapons smuggling along the border, the three officials told the newspaper.

However, occupation army minister Yoav Galant suggested in a separate statement earlier this week that Israel might withdraw under certain circumstances.

The statement said, “There is a need for a solution that stops smuggling attempts, cuts off potential supplies to Hamas, and allows the withdrawal of Israeli army forces from the corridor, as part of a framework for the release of detainees.”

Source: Al-Ghad