Israel Declines to Retreat from Gaza-Egypt Border

Synopsis

On February 27, Israeli officials declared that the military will maintain its presence along the Gaza-Egypt border, disregarding a ceasefire agreement that demands a withdrawal. Despite a hostage exchange, Israel's Energy Minister emphasized the importance of meeting specific conditions before progressing to the next phase of the ceasefire.

Key Takeaways

Israeli military refuses to withdraw from Gaza-Egypt border.
Four hostages were exchanged for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
Some hostages were confirmed deceased during captivity.
Israel sets conditions for advancing in ceasefire negotiations.
Hamas expresses willingness to discuss next ceasefire phase.

Jerusalem, Feb 27 (NationPress) Officials from Israel announced on Thursday that the military will not retreat from the crucial strip along the Gaza-Egypt border, even with a ceasefire agreement mandating a pullout by Saturday.

In the early hours of Thursday, Israel received the remains of four hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, marking the conclusion of the first phase of a three-part ceasefire agreement that is set to expire on Saturday.

According to the Prime Minister's office, three of the hostages lost their lives while held captive, while the fourth perished during the Hamas-led assault on October 7, 2023. Forensic experts in Tel Aviv confirmed the identification of the four bodies after they were handed over by Hamas.

"Based on intelligence and all available information, Ohad Yahalomi, Tsahi Idan, and Itzik Elgarat were murdered while held hostage in Gaza," the office stated. It further reported that Shlomo Mantzur, aged 86, was killed during the October 7 attack, and his body had been taken into Gaza.

No immediate response was provided by Hamas, which has previously claimed that heavy Israeli bombardments resulted in the deaths of hostages, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

Under the ceasefire agreement, Israel is required to initiate the withdrawal of troops from the Philadelphi Corridor by Saturday. However, a senior Israeli official informed state broadcaster Kan that the military "will not withdraw" from the area, asserting, "We will not permit Hamas militants to traverse our border again with trucks and rifles, and we will not allow them to rearm through smuggling."

Energy Minister Eli Cohen conveyed to Kan Reshet Bet Radio that 59 hostages are still in Gaza and that securing their release is a primary goal. He stated that Israel would only advance to the next phase of the ceasefire if four conditions were met: the release of all hostages, the dismantling of Hamas's power, the demilitarization of Gaza, and complete Israeli security control over the enclave.

Cohen also remarked that support from the US administration and the resumption of heavy bomb shipments—previously halted by the Biden administration—had strengthened Israel's resolve to uphold its demands.

Hamas has expressed readiness to negotiate the next phase of the ceasefire. In a statement, the group asserted that the "only way" to ensure the release of the remaining hostages is through a commitment to a sustainable truce.