Israel's Refusal to Leave a Gaza Corridor Puts Ceasefire at Risk

Netanyahu sent negotiators to Cairo on Thursday after Hamas handed over the remains of four hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners

- Agencies

JERUSALEM: Israel's refusal to withdraw from a narrow strip of desert on the Gaza side of the border with Egypt, as called for in the ceasefire with Hamas, could further threaten the fragile truce.

An Israeli official said on Thursday that Israeli forces would remain in the so-called Philadelphi corridor to prevent weapons smuggling. The official spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

Under the ceasefire agreement reached last month, Israel was to begin withdrawing on Saturday and complete the pull-out within eight days.

Its refusal to do so would likely be seen by Hamas and key mediator Egypt as a breach of the agreement. There was no immediate comment from either.

Saturday is also the final day of the first phase of the ceasefire.