Hundreds of Palestinian Fighters Trapped in Tunnels under Israeli-Controlled Rafah
Reports indicate that Israel has ruled out granting safe passage to resistance fighters trapped in tunnels beneath Rafah, an area under Israeli control. Multiple sources estimate that approximately 200 fighters are trapped.
Concerns and Military Actions
According to Hebrew news outlet Channel 14, Israeli authorities worry that the tunnels might contain the remains of deceased Israeli captives. This concern has reportedly discouraged heavy bombing of the tunnel complexes in attempts to avoid destroying such evidence.
Israel’s Channel 12 previously reported that Tel Aviv was thinking about allowing fighters safe passage into Hamas-controlled territory if they surrendered their weapons and returned bodies of dead captives. However, an official later confirmed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “ruled out” this option.
Captive Bodies and Accusations
Hamas has released the bodies of 17 Israeli captives so far. Israel accuses Hamas of withholding additional bodies and delaying their return. The Red Cross has stated that locating the bodies is extremely difficult due to the vast amounts of rubble.
Violence Since Ceasefire
- Since the ceasefire began in early October, Israel has killed over 150 Palestinians, citing alleged Hamas violations as justification.
- Hamas’ military wing, the Qassam Brigades, confirmed losing contact with fighters in Rafah, which was heavily damaged and occupied by Israeli troops during the conflict.
Author's summary: The situation in Rafah remains critical as hundreds of Palestinian fighters are trapped underground amid concerns over captive remains, ongoing violence, and stalled negotiations.