Jerusalem, Israel - September 04, 2024

Storyline:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that Israel would not withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor along the Egypt-Gaza border during a press conference for international media.

The Philadelphi Corridor refers to a narrow strip of land, stretching about 14 kilometers, which is situated along the entirety of the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt as a military buffer zone.

Netanyahu emphasized that Israel's three key objectives — destroying Hamas, rescuing all hostages, and eliminating the threat from the Gaza Strip — are directly linked to maintaining control of the corridor, justifying the continued presence of Israeli military forces there.

He stated that Hamas is the obstacle to ceasefire negotiations, and military pressure on Hamas is necessary.

Netanyahu reiterated Israel's commitment to maintaining its presence in the Philadelphi Corridor, with the elimination of Hamas as a primary objective. He also attributed the lack of progress in ceasefire talks to Hamas. Local media pointed out that despite ongoing efforts, the chances of a successful negotiation remain limited.

On Thursday, Hamas issued a statement calling for pressure on Netanyahu and his government to honor existing agreements rather than seeking new terms in ceasefire talks or hostage exchanges.

The statement also accused Netanyahu of using negotiations to prolong the aggression against the Palestinian people, claiming that his decision to keep military forces in the corridor is intended to block the efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement.

Shotlist:
Jerusalem - Sept 4, 2024:
1. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu walking on stage;
2. Netanyahu speaking;
3. Netanyahu delivering speech;
FILE: Erez Crossing, Israel - Jan 18, 2024:
4. Various of Israel's military vehicles passing Erez Crossing, Israeli troops;
FILE: Northern Israel - Oct 15, 2023:
5. Various of Israeli tanks, national flag on tank;
Gaza Strip - Recent:
6. Various of damaged buildings, smoke;
Khan Younis, Gaza Strip - Aug 25, 2024:
7. Various of destroyed buildings, debris;
FILE: Deir el-Balah, Gaza Strip - July 27, 2024:
8. Various of displaced people searching in debris;
FILE: Gaza City, Gaza Strip - Aug 1, 2024:
9. Various of rubble, destroyed buildings;
FILE: Khan Younis, Gaza Strip - July 22, 2024:
10. Smoke rising from damaged building;
11. Displaced people fleeing on road strewn with rubble.

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