The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will be able to continue to control the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt without a constant physical presence, IDF Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi said ahead of ceasefire talks in Doha on Thursday.
In the event that the IDF withdraws from the area, it would still be able to deploy to the border as required, Halevi said during a visit on Wednesday to the Philadelphi Corridor, according to Israeli radio.
The Philadelphi Corridor runs for 14 kilometres along the Gaza Strip’s border with Egypt, reaching from the border with Israel to the Mediterranean Sea. It was under Israeli control until Israel withdrew from the Gaza in 2005.
The IDF retook control of the corridor, which includes the Rafah Border Crossing. again in May. It is seen as key to controlling arms and other goods entering the Gaza from Egypt.
While Hamas has demanded that the IDF withdraw completely from the Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that the IDF retain control of the Philadelphi Corridor.
During his visit, Halevi said the IDF would increase operations until all hostages held by Hamas were released. “The return of the hostages is a war aim,” he told IDF troops. “Hamas must know that every additional day that they keep our hostages will be more bitter than the day before,” he added.
