Israeli official says army will not withdraw from strategic corridor in Gaza

The official spoke hours after Hamas released the remains of four hostages in exchange for more than 600 Palestinian prisoners, the last planned swap of the ceasefire’s first phase, which ends this weekend

Tents are seen among the destroyed buildings in the Gaza Strip as seen from southern Israel, Tuesday. Picture: AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg

Israel will not withdraw from a strategic corridor in the Gaza Strip as called for by the ceasefire, an official has said.

Israel’s refusal could spark a crisis with Hamas and key mediator Egypt at a sensitive moment for the fragile truce.