Netanyahu's Stance on Corridor Stalls Hostage Deal

A Maariv poll reveals that 48% of Israelis support relinquishing control of the Philadelphi Corridor for a prisoner-hostage deal, while Prime Minister Netanyahu's strong stance against this has gained him political support. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that 90% of a Gaza ceasefire deal is agreed upon, but Netanyahu contradicted this, asserting no deal is imminent. The primary sticking point remains Israel's control of the Philadelphi Corridor, with international mediators like Egypt and Qatar involved in negotiations. Netanyahu insists on maintaining control to prevent weapon smuggling by Hamas, despite pressure from various international actors and criticism from within his own government. Hamas accuses Netanyahu of using negotiations to prolong conflict, complicating the potential for an agreement.