Israel refuses to withdraw from Gaza corridor, raising tensions with Hamas and Egypt

Published

11 months ago

February 28, 2025

The move could threaten the fragile ceasefire as negotiations for a second phase of hostage exchanges remain uncertain.

Israel has announced it will not withdraw from the Philadelphi corridor, a strategic area along the Gaza-Egypt border, despite the terms of the ceasefire agreement.

The decision, confirmed by an Israeli official on Thursday, risks escalating tensions with Hamas and key mediator Egypt as negotiations for the next phase of the truce remain in limbo.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz cited concerns over weapons smuggling and the presence of tunnels, contradicting Egypt’s assertion that it had already destroyed such infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Hamas has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire, warning that continued military presence in the corridor could jeopardize future hostage negotiations.

This comes just after Hamas released the remains of four Israeli hostages in exchange for over 600 Palestinian prisoners—the final exchange planned under the ceasefire’s initial six-week phase.

With the truce set to expire this weekend, uncertainty looms over whether talks for a second phase will proceed.

The situation is further complicated by the upcoming visit of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Mideast envoy, Steve Witkoff, who is expected to push for continued negotiations.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains committed to two key objectives: bringing home all remaining hostages and dismantling Hamas’ military and governing control in Gaza.

As the ceasefire deadline approaches, the question remains—will diplomacy prevail, or is renewed conflict inevitable?

Jonathan Tobin the editor-in-chief of Jewish News Syndicate joins Veronica Dudo to discuss.

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Ukraine and Russia set for U.S.-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi

Published

21 hours ago

February 2, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that new peace talks with Russia will take place in Abu Dhabi later this week. The discussions are part of U.S.-led efforts to find a path toward ending the ongoing war.

Zelenskyy emphasised that Ukraine is prepared for meaningful dialogue aimed at achieving peace. The announcement comes after weeks of uncertainty over the timing of the meeting.

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff described prior discussions with Russian officials as productive, though major disagreements over territorial issues remain unresolved.

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Tensions rise as Iran threatens conflict and U.S. increases naval forces

Iran warns of regional conflict, labels European armies terrorists; U.S. boosts naval presence as both sides consider negotiations.

Published

23 hours ago

February 2, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Iran warns of regional conflict, labels European armies terrorists; U.S. boosts naval presence as both sides consider negotiations.

Iran has warned of a potential regional conflict if the U.S. launches an attack, while labelling European armies as terrorists. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei insisted that threats from President Trump will not intimidate the Iranian people.

The U.S. has ramped up its naval presence in the Middle East in response to mounting threats, amid speculation over Iran’s next moves. Iranian officials have denied claims of imminent naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, adding to global uncertainty.

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Carlos Alcaraz becomes youngest man to complete career Grand Slam

Carlos Alcaraz, at 22, stuns tennis by winning the Australian Open, defeating Djokovic, and celebrating with a kangaroo tattoo.

Published

23 hours ago

February 2, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Carlos Alcaraz, at 22, stuns tennis by winning the Australian Open, defeating Djokovic, and celebrating with a kangaroo tattoo.

Carlos Alcaraz has stunned the tennis world by winning the Australian Open, becoming the youngest man to complete a Career Grand Slam at just 22 years old.

The world number one beat Novak Djokovic in a thrilling four-set match, finishing 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5. Djokovic missed out on claiming his 25th Grand Slam title. To mark the milestone, Alcaraz revealed he plans to add a new tattoo of a kangaroo on his leg, joining his existing Eiffel Tower and Wimbledon strawberry tattoos.

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