The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) announced its rejection of Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz's, statements regarding keeping the Philadelphi Route, also known as the Salah al-Din Route, as a buffer zone between the Gaza Strip and Egypt. The movement considered this decision a "clear violation" of the ceasefire agreement in effect since January 19.

In a statement issued today, Thursday, Hamas affirmed that Katz's statements represent an attempt to fabricate excuses to disrupt and sabotage the agreement. The movement called on mediators and the international community to take immediate and serious action to compel Israel to adhere to the terms of the agreement and prevent the Israeli government from hampering it.

For his part, Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, stated that the Philadelphi Route will remain a buffer zone, pointing to the existence of tunnels penetrating the area, some of which are closed and others open. Katz added, "The Philadelphi Route will remain a buffer zone just like it is on the borders with Lebanon and Syria."

It is worth noting that the Philadelphi Route is a border strip extending for 14 kilometers along the border between Gaza and Egypt. Under the ceasefire agreement, the Israeli army was scheduled to begin its withdrawal from the route next Saturday, which is the last day of the first phase of the agreement, with the withdrawal to be completed within eight days. However, recent Israeli statements indicate an intention to remain in the area, threatening the continuity of the agreement and increasing tensions in the region.

This development comes at a sensitive time, as the U.S. envoy to the Middle East, Steve Peace, is expected to visit the region soon to discuss the second phase of negotiations. There are fears that the Israeli decision could complicate diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

For its part, Egypt, which played a mediating role in the agreement, denied the existence of any active tunnels on its border with Gaza, confirming that it had previously destroyed all tunnels and established a buffer zone to prevent smuggling. No official comment has yet been issued from Cairo regarding the recent Israeli statements.

In light of these developments, the future of the ceasefire agreement remains uncertain, with growing concerns about its collapse and the renewal of hostilities in the region.