Report: Gaza mediators setting aside Philadelphi Corridor for now, focusing on other issues

Unnamed senior officials tell Channel 12 news that mediators in ceasefire-hostage deal talks have decided to set aside the thorny issue of Israel’s presence in two Gaza corridors under a potential agreement, and are focusing on other matters.

The network says American mediators hope to reach agreements on other matters first, including Israel’s ability to veto the release of some Palestinian prisoners under a deal and how many living hostages Israel will get back during its six-week first phase. Channel 12 says some progress has indeed been made on these issues.

The issue of Israeli forces’ presence on the Philadelphi Corridor on the Gaza-Egypt border, and the Netzarim Corridor in central Gaza, will be left to the very end of talks, the report says.