Hebrew media reports have revealed the main remaining dispute between the Israeli Occupation and Hamas as negotiations continue to reach a ceasefire agreement to end the war in Gaza.

 

According to US officials, the number of outstanding issues has dropped from four to one.

 

US Middle East envoy Steve Wietkov expressed optimism about a possible agreement by the end of the week, saying the gaps between the two sides have become “clearer and fewer.”

 

According to Yedioth Ahronoth (Ynet), the primary point of contention is the 'Israeli' plan to maintain control over a narrow strip of land in southern Gaza known as the "Morag Corridor." This corridor runs south of Khan Younis along the Egyptian border and serves as a strategic military route.

 

'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has referred to the area as “Philadelphi 2,” a reference to the original Philadelphi Corridor, a buffer zone along the Gaza-Egypt border. The plan calls for the 'Israeli' military to remain in the Morag Corridor even after a ceasefire is reached, something Hamas firmly opposes. Netanyahu argues that continued control is necessary to prevent Hamas from rearming through cross-border tunnels.

 

The proposal has sparked internal debate within the 'Israeli' military establishment. Some officials have warned that holding onto the corridor could hinder progress toward a deal to release captives, questioning the strategic necessity of the strip.

 

Meanwhile, 'Israeli' officials also announced plans to establish a so-called "humanitarian city" on the ruins of Rafah in southern Gaza to house displaced civilians, separating them from Hamas fighters. Officials argue that control over the Morag Corridor is vital to securing this proposed zone.

 

At the White House, US President Donald Trump met with Netanyahu late Tuesday for the second time in under 24 hours, as American and Qatari mediators continue pushing for a ceasefire to end the war that began in October 2023.

 

“This crisis must be resolved. Gaza is a tragedy. He wants it resolved, I want it resolved, and I believe the other side wants that too,” Trump said in remarks quoted by Yedioth Ahronoth. The paper also reported that Trump applied “maximum pressure” on Netanyahu to move forward with a ceasefire deal.

 

Following the meeting, Netanyahu said: “We focused all efforts on securing the release of our hostages. We will not stop for a moment. This is only possible due to the military pressure exerted by our brave soldiers. Sadly, this effort comes at a painful cost—the loss of our finest.”