Israel is seeking to include an Israeli military presence along the Gaza-Egypt border as part of a cease-fire agreement with Hamas, according to Israeli officials.
This has emerged as a contentious issue in the ongoing truce negotiations mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States.
Hamas firmly opposes any Israeli presence in the border region, insisting that a truce deal must involve a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Israel argues that the area, known as the Philadelphi Corridor, is crucial for preventing weapons smuggling into Gaza.
However, Egypt has expressed concerns that an Israeli presence could jeopardize Egyptian national security and relations with Israel.
Despite the challenges, mediators plan to proceed with a summit next week to keep the struggling cease-fire talks alive.
The fighting has intensified, with Israeli forces expanding operations in Gaza City and airstrikes killing at least 16 Palestinians.
Hezbollah has also threatened to continue fighting alongside Hamas if Israel persists with its assault on Gaza.
The war has resulted in immense destruction, with over 38,000 Palestinians killed, mostly civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
Efforts to secure a truce have repeatedly faltered, and the chances of reaching a ceasefire deal remain slim.
However, some senior Israeli military elements seem convinced that the war is unwinnable, potentially posing opposition to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s continued prosecution of the conflict.