Report: Israel Open to Withdrawing From Gaza-Egypt Border

Facts

• Israeli outlet Haaretz reported on Wednesday that Mossad chief David Barnea flew to Qatar on Monday to pass the message that Israel is open to a complete withdrawal from the Gaza-Egypt border — often referred to as the Philadelphi Corridor — in the second phase of a cease-fire deal.^[1]
• The report, which was corroborated by the Times of Israel, contradicted statements made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday that Israeli forces must remain along the Philadelphi Corridor indefinitely. Netanyahu's office didn't deny the report.^[1]
• Netanyahu drew condemnation from several Arab states, including Jordan and Qatar, for accusing Egypt of not doing enough to prevent Hamas from smuggling weapons into Gaza via the Philadelphi Corridor. Egypt accused Netanyahu of trying to 'divert Israeli public opinion and obstruct' negotiations.^[2]
• US officials said a final proposal drafted with Qatar and Egypt will be complete on Wednesday or Thursday, though the details are unclear. Hamas has said that it is pessimistic that a deal can be reached, as officials have said Hamas will not accept Israel's presence along the Philadelphi Corridor.^[3]
• Politico reported that US officials have also grown pessimistic that a deal can be reached after Israel found the bodies of six hostages over the weekend. Israel said Hamas had executed the captives. Negotiations have continued nonetheless.^[4]
• Meanwhile, in Gaza, a polio vaccination campaign continues to make progress and has led to temporary pauses in fighting in limited areas of the strip. Clashes were reported in the north and south of Gaza.^[5]

Sources: ^[1]Timesofisrael, ^[2]AA, ^[3]New York Times, ^[4]Politico and ^[5]Reuters.

Narratives

• Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by POLITICO. With the clock ticking, the US and its allies are confident that after some tough negotiating, a deal between Israel and Hamas can be reached. A guaranteed end to the war will ensure increased humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave, the release of Israeli hostages, and create a better 'day after' in Gaza without Hamas in power. The US will continue to work toward closing the gaps and ensuring that peace and stability can be restored to the region.
• Pro-Israel narrative, as provided by Jerusalem Post. The battle for Rafah was so important because it allowed Israeli forces to prevent Hamas from utilizing its subterranean supply lines into Gaza. Indeed, preventing Hamas from re-establishing these supply lines will prove crucial in defeating the terrorist group, and Netanyahu is correct in making the Philadelphi Corridor a red line. Israel cannot repeat past mistakes and will continue to hold firm in its demands.
• Pro-Palestine narrative, as provided by Middle East Eye. Everyone seems to understand — including most Israelis — that the main obstacle to ending this war is Benjamin Netanyahu. However, the US continues its charade of blaming Hamas for the lack of progress when the group has shown much flexibility in negotiations. The six hostages died over the weekend because Israel refuses to end its genocidal campaign in Gaza. The war could be over tomorrow, yet the US continues to back Netanyahu's intransigence.