Hamas Fighters Trapped in Gaza Tunnels Plead for Safe Passage

Hamas has publicly called for its fighters to be allowed out of tunnels in Gaza. The militant group issued the statement on Wednesday. It asked mediating countries to pressure Israel for safe passage.

This marks the first time Hamas has openly admitted its members are trapped. The request follows Israeli military reports of eliminating over twenty militants who tried to escape.

Israeli Military Tightens Grip on Rafah Tunnel Network

According to Reuters, the Israeli military confirmed recent operations. It said over twenty Hamas members were killed. Eight others were apprehended while trying to flee the underground network.

Israeli media estimates between 100 and 200 militants remain trapped. They are in tunnels beneath the city of Rafah. This area is under Israeli military control.

Ceasefire Terms Create Stalemate for Trapped Militants

A US-brokered ceasefire that began in October established a “yellow line”. This line marks the area of Israeli control. The stalemate over the trapped fighters tests the agreement’s durability.

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff previously mentioned the trapped fighters. He suggested their surrender could be a test for both sides. However, Israel shows no willingness to grant safe passage.

An Israeli government spokesperson told AFP that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains firm. The goal is to dismantle Hamas’s military capabilities. Allowing terrorists safe passage contradicts this objective.

Hamas now accuses Israel of violating the ceasefire. It claims Israel is pursuing and liquidating its besieged fighters. The group holds Israel fully responsible for their lives.

The standoff over the trapped Hamas fighters highlights the fragile nature of the Gaza ceasefire. Both sides remain entrenched in their positions. The situation of the militants in the Rafah tunnels presents a critical challenge to ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Info at your fingertips

How many Hamas fighters are trapped in the tunnels?

Israeli media reports suggest between 100 and 200 militants are trapped. They are located in a network of tunnels under Rafah. The Israeli military controls the area above them.

What has the Israeli military done recently?

The military says it killed over twenty Hamas members in the past week. These individuals attempted to flee the underground tunnels. Israeli forces also captured eight more militants.

What is Israel’s official position on this?

A government spokesperson stated Israel will not allow safe passage. Prime Minister Netanyahu is firm on dismantling Hamas’s military power. Demilitarizing Gaza remains a key goal.

How does this affect the ceasefire?

Hamas accuses Israel of violating the agreement through these actions. The situation creates a major point of contention. It tests the durability of the US-brokered truce.

Is this the first time Hamas acknowledged this?

Yes, the statement on Wednesday was the first public acknowledgment. The Islamist group had not previously confirmed its members were trapped underground.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, Associated Press, Agence France-Presse (AFP).