Disagreements concerning the Philadelphi security corridor have resurfaced as a major obstacle in the ongoing negotiations for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. An Israeli spokesperson for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed this to Fox News Digital on Thursday, casting doubt on the deal that had appeared promising just a day earlier.

Spokesman Omer Dostri echoed Netanyahu's statements, accusing Hamas of introducing last-minute demands and disrupting the terms already mediated by parties including the U.S. He specifically highlighted the renewed contention surrounding the deployment of Israeli forces within the Philadelphi corridor, a key point of contention in previous negotiations.

Netanyahu emphasized Israel's resolve to respond forcefully to any aggression. (Ma'ayan Toaf (GPO))

This specific area has been a recurring roadblock in cease-fire discussions. The collapse of a July agreement, which involved the intended release of American-Israeli Hersh Golberg-Polin, is partly attributed to disagreements over the corridor. Tragically, Golberg-Polin and five other hostages were later killed in Gaza.

Israel maintains that the corridor is crucial for its national security, preventing Hamas from exploiting it for smuggling and connections with extremist groups in Egypt's Sinai region.

Israeli combat engineers search for tunnels in the Philadelphi Corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border.  (TPS-IL)

Both White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby and Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed confidence that these issues can be resolved and the deal will proceed as planned on Sunday.

IDF soldiers engage terrorists in the Netzarim Corridor in Gaza. (IDF Spokesman's Unit)

While the reported deal allows for the IDF to remain in Gaza until the last hostage is released, they are also expected to withdraw to a security zone around Gaza border communities. The precise details about the Philadelphi corridor remain unclear, although reports suggest Israeli forces were expected to stay there during the initial phase of the cease-fire.

Ruby Chen, father of a fallen IDF soldier believed to be held by Hamas, expressed concern that demands from Israel's right-wing government members regarding IDF presence in Gaza could jeopardize the agreement.

File image of Hamas terrorists during a military parade in Gaza City.  (Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

Netanyahu’s spokesperson also mentioned new demands from Hamas regarding the release of specific terrorist members held by Israel, although details remain unconfirmed. The initial phase of the deal involves the release of dozens of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages, prioritizing those in humanitarian categories like children, women, the elderly, and the sick.

Families of American hostages held by Hamas meet with President Biden.  ( Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The second phase, subject to negotiation, will focus on the release of captured soldiers, both living and deceased. Estimates suggest over 1,000 prisoners could be released by the end of the exchange process. Chen advocates for the immediate release of all hostages, including the deceased, emphasizing the volatile nature of the situation.