What is the Philadelphia Axis, and why is it strategically important?

CAIRO – 2 January 2024: In recent weeks, the term "Philadelphia Axis" has surfaced amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, with the declared goal of eliminating the Hamas movement.

The most recent mention of the Philadelphia Axis came from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who stated on Saturday that "Israel must have full control over the axis to ensure disarmament in the region." He also added during a press conference, "The Philadelphia Axis, or more precisely the southern stop point (in Gaza), must be under our control. It must be closed. It is clear that any other arrangement will not guarantee the disarmament we seek."

So, what is the Philadelphia Axis, and why does it hold strategic significance for both Israel and Egypt?

•           The Philadelphia Axis, also known as the Salah al-Din Axis, refers to a strip of land along the border between Egypt and the Gaza Strip.

•           It falls within Zone D of the Sinai Peninsula, as defined by the 1979 peace treaty signed between Egypt and Israel.

•           The axis stretches from the Mediterranean Sea in the north to the Kerem Shalom crossing in the south, covering approximately 14 kilometers.

•           The Egypt-Israel peace agreement imposes numerical and qualitative restrictions on the deployment of forces on both sides of the border, including the Egyptian side of the Philadelphia Axis.

•           Israel controlled the Philadelphia Axis as part of its jurisdiction in Zone D until it withdrew from Gaza and handed it over to the Palestinian Authority in 2005.

•           In the same year, a new agreement was signed to regulate the presence of forces in the axis, allowing for Egyptian-Israeli security coordination.

•           Egypt maintains a limited number of troops on its side of the axis to prevent infiltration and smuggling.

•           Recent reports suggest that Israel has plans to construct an underground barrier in the Philadelphia Axis area.

It is worth noting that Egyptian sources have denied Israeli claims about the start of Israeli tank operations from Kerem Abu Salem towards the Philadelphia Axis on the Gaza-Egypt border.

This strategic area remains a focal point in the ongoing Israel-Gaza war, with control over the Philadelphia Axis being a contentious issue in the pursuit of regional stability.