Palestine reiterates rejection of Israeli military presence along Egypt-Gaza border

RAMALLAH, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) — The Palestinian presidency on Tuesday reiterated its rejection of any Israeli military presence along the Philadelphi Corridor or at the Rafah crossing on the Gaza-Egypt border.
In a statement, the presidency criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s comments about weapons smuggling from Egypt into Gaza, accusing him of using the claim to distract the public, avoid a ceasefire deal, and continue military actions against the Palestinian people, the official WAFA news agency reported.
The Palestinian presidency also expressed appreciation for Egypt’s stance against the displacement of Palestinians and reiterated its objection to any Israeli presence along the Philadelphi Corridor.
Netanyahu said on Monday that Israel would not withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor. “We need to have it under our control,” he said, emphasizing that Israeli presence there is crucial to prevent future weapons smuggling from Egypt to Gaza.
Egypt’s foreign ministry rejected Israel’s claim on Tuesday, accusing the Israeli side of using the claim to justify its “aggressive and provocative” policies.
The Philadelphi Corridor remains a key sticking point in ceasefire negotiations mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. ■