What is Israel's condition due to which a ceasefire with Hamas is not happening?

Last week, mediators from America, Qatar, and Egypt gathered in Cairo, Egypt to end the 10-month-long Gaza war. This time too the peace talks ended without achieving the ceasefire objective. It was expected that this time an agreement would be reached between Hamas and Israel for ceasefire and release of hostages.

But in this dialogue, Israel presented its new condition, after which the Gaza ceasefire almost happened. Some experts have described this condition as Israel's attempt to sabotage the ceasefire efforts.

Israel said that it wants control over two strategic locations in Gaza. These locations are the Philadelphi Corridor and the Netzarim Corridor. Israel's PM Netanyahu made it clear that control over these two corridors is necessary for Israel's security.

What is there in the Philadelphia Corridor that Israel wants to occupy at any cost? Why is it important for Gaza residents that it remains free? Let's try to understand.

What is the Philadelphia Corridor?

The Philadelphia Corridor is a 14-kilometer-long strip on the Egypt-Gaza border, which is about 100 yards wide. Rafah crossing is present on this corridor, which is the only way to connect Gaza to the outside world.

The Gaza Strip is surrounded by Israel on all three sides, with the Rafah Crossing on the Egyptian border being the only way for Gazans to leave Gaza or for humanitarian aid and trade to be delivered into Gaza.

Experts believe that capturing this corridor means capturing the whole of Gaza without capturing the whole of Gaza. Palestine supporters argue that controlling the Philadelphi Corridor means controlling all parts of Gaza's sea and land.

Israel has tried to disrupt the logistics going through this corridor in the past, but Hamas has managed to evade the Israeli army thanks to its tunnel network. Foreign aid will also be delivered through this corridor for the reconstruction of Gaza. Israel's control over it can hinder the reconstruction of Gaza's infrastructure destroyed in the war.

Netzarim Corridor

Talking about the Netzarim Corridor, it is a six kilometer long strip extending from the Israeli border in the center of the Gaza Strip to the southern coast of Gaza. Its width is said to be two kilometers. Gaza residents consider Israel's control over this corridor as an intention to prevent the reconstruction of Gaza. By deploying its army on it, Israel can divide Gaza into two parts at any time.

Attempt to stop ceasefire

The ceasefire talks in Cairo have almost derailed after Israel surprisingly included new conditions. However, the US says it is constantly trying for this. Hamas had agreed to the peace proposal presented by US President Joe Biden in July.

Neither President Biden's speech on May 31 nor the subsequent resolution presented by the US Security Council on June 11 mentioned this demand. This proposal of the US is the basis of the ongoing diplomatic effort for peace. In neither of them was any point made about the permanent presence of the Israeli army in Gaza.

Hamas has been demanding complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza from the very beginning and is not willing to accept any peace proposal without complete withdrawal.

There has been a continuous war between Israel and Hamas since 7 October 2023.