In fresh jolt to peace, Tel Aviv says army will not leave Gaza

Israel will not withdraw from a strategic corridor in the Gaza Strip as called for by the ceasefire, an official said on Thursday. Israel’s refusal could spark a crisis with Hamas and key mediator Egypt at a sensitive moment for the fragile truce.

Hours earlier, Hamas said it was ready for talks after it released the remains of four hostages in exchange for over 600 Palestinian prisoners, the last planned swap of the ceasefire’s first phase, which ends this weekend. Talks over the second stage have yet to begin.

Much could hinge on a visit by US President Donald Trump’s West Asia envoy, Steve Witkoff, who is expected in the region in the coming days.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said he was sending negotiators to Cairo, without providing further details. An official, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with regulations, said the army needed to remain in the so-called Philadelphi corridor, on the Gaza side of the border with Egypt, to prevent weapons smuggling.