What is the 'Philadelphi corridor' and why is it a sticking point in Israel-Hamas talks?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to keep control and troop presence at the Philadelphi Corridor between Gaza and Egypt. Here's why it matters.
It’s a small sliver of land, but it’s become a major sticking point in talks between Israel and Hamas.
The so-called Philadelphi corridor has emerged as a critical factor holding up a cease-fire deal that would end the monthslong war in the Gaza Strip and secure the release of hostages still held in the enclave.
Outcry over the killing of six hostages has intensified pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with President Joe Biden saying Monday that he was not doing enough to secure a deal. But Netanyahu signaled he had no plans to soften his stance on keeping troops in the area despite mass protests and internal disagreements.
So what is the Philadelphi corridor — and why is it so important?
The Philadelphi corridor, also known as the Salah al-Din axis, refers to a narrow strip of land just under 9 miles in length and around 100 yards wide that runs along the Gaza side of the coastal enclave's border with Egypt.
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