Image Credits: The Times Of Israel
The Philadelphi corridor, a narrow strip of land approximately 9 miles long and 100 meters wide, runs along Gaza’s border with Egypt. Established as a demilitarized zone following Israel’s 2005 withdrawal from Gaza, it spans from the Mediterranean Sea to the Kerem Shalom crossing into Israel. This corridor, which includes the Rafah crossing, has been a focal point of regional tension and strategic importance.
Originally, the 1979 Camp David peace treaty with Egypt permitted a limited Israeli military presence in the corridor, excluding heavy armor. After Israel’s disengagement in 2005, responsibility for the area shifted to the Egyptian authorities and the Palestinian Authority, with Egyptian forces tasked with curbing smuggling. However, when Hamas assumed control of Gaza in 2007, smuggling through the corridor, primarily via tunnels, became a persistent issue. Despite extensive anti-tunnel measures by both Israel and Egypt, including airstrikes and flooding, Hamas has exploited these routes to import weapons.
The situation has escalated recently, particularly after Israeli forces retook control of the Philadelphi corridor during a ground offensive in May. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed intentions to maintain Israeli control over the corridor, including the Rafah crossing, which has heightened tensions with Egypt. This move has significant diplomatic and security ramifications, complicating ceasefire negotiations with Hamas and efforts to secure the release of Israeli hostages.
Netanyahu’s insistence on retaining control over the corridor has sparked controversy within Israeli politics. Critics argue that his stance is driven more by domestic political considerations than strategic or humanitarian concerns. Recent developments, including the discovery of hostages’ bodies in a tunnel and internal government disputes, have further intensified the debate.
Alternative solutions, such as technological surveillance and enhanced Egyptian enforcement, have been proposed to manage smuggling without a heavy Israeli military presence. However, these approaches require substantial political will and cooperation from Cairo, which has been inconsistent. Diplomatic efforts, involving Egyptian, US, and Qatari mediators, are ongoing to find a viable resolution that addresses both security concerns and political sensitivities.