The Philadelphi Corridor is a strategically significant strip of land along the Gaza-Egypt border. Spanning approximately 14 kilometers in length and about 100 meters in width, this corridor was created by Israel after the 1967 war. Its primary purpose was to serve as a buffer zone, aiding in the monitoring and control of movement between Gaza and Egypt.
The corridor holds strategic importance in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. It is a critical route utilized for smuggling goods, arms, and personnel through tunnels. Israel views control over this area as essential to prevent Hamas from replenishing its weaponry and continuing its attacks.
Historically, the Philadelphi Corridor has been a conduit for various smuggling activities, including weapons, food, and civilian supplies. The area gained further prominence following Hamas's takeover of Gaza in 2007, which heightened concerns over arms trafficking.
The corridor remains a focal point of contention. Israel, under the leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, seeks to maintain permanent control to limit Hamas's smuggling capabilities. In contrast, Egypt and Palestinian authorities argue for Israeli withdrawal in accordance with past agreements.
A 2005 agreement between Israel and Egypt designated the corridor as a buffer zone following Israel's withdrawal from Gaza. Egyptian forces were deployed to monitor the border, ensuring adherence to the 1979 Israeli-Egyptian peace treaty.
Egypt opposes Israel's permanent control of the Philadelphi Corridor, perceiving it as a breach of the 1979 peace treaty. Egyptian officials have emphasized that Israel's occupation of the area contradicts existing agreements.
Numerous tunnels beneath the corridor have facilitated smuggling activities, affecting both the local economy and security dynamics. While these tunnels have helped sustain economic activity in Gaza under the Israeli blockade, they have also enabled the flow of arms to militant groups.
Following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, Israel has intensified its military operations in the Philadelphi Corridor. The focus has been on destroying tunnels and asserting control to prevent further arms smuggling, thereby bolstering its security measures.
Since assuming power in 2013, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has ordered the demolition of numerous tunnels, accusing militants of using them to support jihadist activities in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula.
The control of the Philadelphi Corridor remains a crucial issue in Israel-Palestine negotiations. For Israel, it's a matter of security; for Palestine and Egypt, it's about sovereignty and honoring international agreements. The future of this corridor could significantly impact broader ceasefire discussions and peace initiatives in the region.
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