By Mohammad Jahjouh, Wafaa Shurafa and Natalie Melzer
Israel will not withdraw from a strategic corridor in the Gaza Strip as called for by the ceasefire, an official said Thursday, a refusal that could spark a crisis with Hamas and key mediator Egypt at a sensitive moment for the fragile truce.
Hours earlier, Hamas 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 and more difficult stage have yet to begin.
Much could hinge on a visit by U.S. President Donald Trump’s Mideast envoy, Steve Witkoff, who is expected in the region in the coming days. Witkoff has said he wants the sides to move into negotiations on the second phase, which were supposed to begin the first week of February.
Hamas said Thursday it was ready to negotiate the next phase.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in
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