About Philadelphi Corridor Concern: UPSC Current Affairs

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Context:

Israel to control the Philadelphi corridor to ensure stability in the region.

About Israel-Palestine Conflict

The conflict began during World War I when Britain took control of Palestine, which was part of the Ottoman Empire. The British promised support for a Jewish homeland in the Balfour Declaration of 1917, allowing many Jews to immigrate to Palestine. This influx led to tensions and violence between the Jewish immigrants and the local Arab population, who felt their rights were being overlooked.

United Nations Partition Plan

In 1947, Britain handed the issue to the United Nations (UN). The UN proposed a plan to create two states: one for Jews and another for Arabs, with Jerusalem as an international city. However, this plan was never put into action because violence erupted, leading to a civil war.

1948 Palestine War

The situation escalated in 1948 when the state of Israel was declared. This event is known to Palestinians as the Nakba, or "catastrophe," because it resulted in the mass displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinian Arabs. Many fled or were forced from their homes, and this created a deep sense of loss and anger among Palestinians.

Six-Day War

In 1967, another significant conflict occurred—the Six-Day War—where Israel captured the West Bank and Gaza Strip. These territories were previously controlled by Jordan and Egypt, respectively. This occupation has been a major source of tension ever since.

Oslo Accords

In 1988, the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) declared independence. This was a crucial moment for Palestinians seeking recognition and statehood. The peace process gained momentum in the 1990s with the Oslo Accords, which established limited self-governance for Palestinians in parts of the West Bank and Gaza through the Palestinian Authority.

Origin of Hamas

In 2005, Israel withdrew its military presence from the Gaza Strip. However, the area remains under tight control, and conflict continues. In 2007, Hamas, a political and militant group, took control of Gaza after a power struggle with Fatah, the leading faction of the Palestinian Authority. This division has led to two separate Palestinian governments: Fatah governs parts of the West Bank, while Hamas controls Gaza.

About Philadelphi Corridor

It is a narrow strip of land between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, it runs from the Mediterranean Sea to the Kerem Shalom crossing with Israel. It includes the Rafah crossing; the main entry and exit point between Gaza and Egypt.

After Israel withdrew its troops and settlements from Gaza in 2005, the Philadelphi Corridor was designated as a demilitarized border zone; free of military presence and operations to promote peace.

Since Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007, they have used this area to build tunnels for smuggling weapons and resources. This has allowed them to strengthen their military capabilities significantly.

Recent Events

Israel believes controlling the Philadelphi Corridor is essential to prevent Hamas from smuggling weapons and rearming. Recently, Israel launched military operations in Rafah to secure this area from Hamas.