– Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu claimed Hamas leader Sinwar was planning to smuggle hostages out of Gaza through the Philadelphi corridor to Sinai and then Iran.
– This plan was revealed during interrogation of a captured senior Hamas official and from documents seized by the IDF.
– Hamas has been insisting on controlling the Philadelphi corridor but Israel has resisted, stalling negotiations for 8 months.
– Sinwar likely realized Hamas could not achieve military success and his only way out was to flee Gaza by smuggling himself and other leaders along with hostages.
– The Philadelphi corridor is the only route for smuggling since Israel controls other crossings. But Israel will not withdraw from Philadelphi even if it risks more dead hostages.
– Giving Hamas control of Philadelphi could encourage more hostage taking and demands. It would strengthen Hamas’ rule in Gaza.
– Netanyahu regrets trusting Hamas in past deals and not approving killing of Sinwar and other leaders when chances arose.
– Defence minister accepts leaving Philadelphi for 42 days as part of a deal but Netanyahu insists only Israel there can stop Hamas rearming.
Source: Thejc
