Arabic sources: Hamas still refuses any Israeli presence in the Morag axis

Arabic sources: Hamas still refuses any Israeli presence in the Morag axis

As Israel and Hamas inch closer to a potential ceasefire agreement, a key sticking point remains: Israel's demand to maintain troops in the Morag corridor during a 60-day truce. This condition could potentially derail the ongoing negotiations, according to Israeli officials [1].

The Morag corridor, a 12-kilometer east-west axis located between Gaza's southernmost city of Rafah and its second-largest city Khan Younis, is a strategic area for Israel. It is seen as a key element in Israel's plan to drive hundreds of thousands of Palestinians south towards a narrow swath of land along the border with Egypt, creating what Israel terms a "humanitarian city" [1].

However, Hamas, which still holds dozens of hostages and refuses to surrender, is adamantly opposed to any lasting Israeli presence inside Gaza. Hamas has stated that Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza is a non-negotiable condition for a permanent truce [1].

The proposed ceasefire would involve both parties holding fire for 60 days, during which time some hostages would be freed and more aid would enter Gaza. However, previous demands by Israel to maintain troops in a separate corridor stalled progress on a ceasefire deal for months [1].

The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declined to comment on how the Morag corridor was playing into ceasefire talks. Netanyahu was in Washington this week to discuss the ceasefire and other matters with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has pushed both sides to bring an end to the war in Gaza [1].

Hamas has not responded to a request for comment regarding the Morag corridor issue. The corridor is one of three that have carved up Gaza during Israel's 21-month campaign, with the others being the Philadelphi and Netzarim corridors [1].

Critics fear that Israel's demand to maintain troops in the Morag corridor could be a precursor to the coerced relocation of much of Gaza's population of some 2 million people, and part of the Israeli government's plans to maintain lasting control over the territory [1].

The ceasefire negotiations remain delicate, with both sides holding firm on their positions. The outcome of these talks will have significant implications for the stability and future of the Gaza Strip.

References:
[1] https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-gaza-war-ceasefire-talks-657fff64bd80a0778bbbc7cdd9e6273c
[2] https://www.yahoo.com/news/israel-insists-keeping-troops-gaza-182847177.html