“Israeli” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted on Monday that “Israeli” forces must retain control over the Philadelphi Corridor along the Egypt-Gaza border, vowing "not to give in to pressure" over the issue in Gaza ceasefire talks.

"The achievement of the war's objectives goes through the Philadelphi Corridor," he said at a televised press conference.

"Control of the Philadelphi axis guarantees that the hostages will not be smuggled out of Gaza," he further claimed.

"I will not give in to pressure," Netanyahu said, referring to the strategic Philadelphi Corridor.

After six “Israeli” captives were found dead in a Gaza tunnel which sparked massive protests in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu said: "I ask for your forgiveness for not bringing them back alive…We were close but we didn't succeed. Hamas will pay a very heavy price for this.”

"The killing of the six hostages did not happen because of the decision on Philadelphi but because of Hamas itself,” he claimed.