Hundreds of Palestinian Fighters Trapped in Rafah Tunnels
Reports indicate that around 200 Palestinian resistance fighters are trapped in tunnels beneath Israeli-controlled Rafah. Israel has reportedly ruled out granting these fighters safe passage into Hamas-held territory.
Israeli Concerns and Decisions
Hebrew news outlet Channel 14 highlighted growing Israeli concerns that the tunnels might contain remains of deceased Israeli captives, which has discouraged heavy bombing aimed at destroying the tunnels.
Earlier, Israel’s Channel 12 reported that Tel Aviv was considering allowing safe passage for the fighters into Hamas-controlled areas if they surrendered their weapons and handed over the bodies of more dead captives. However, an official later confirmed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had
“ruled out”this option.
Hamas and Captive Bodies
Hamas has released the bodies of 17 Israeli captives so far. Israel accuses Hamas of withholding bodies and delaying their return. The Red Cross has noted the extreme difficulty in locating bodies due to extensive rubble in the area.
Casualties and Conflict Status
- Since early October, when the ceasefire came into effect, Israel has killed over 150 Palestinians citing alleged Hamas violations as justification.
- Hamas’s military wing, the Qassam Brigades, confirmed it has lost contact with its fighters in Rafah after the area was destroyed and occupied by Israeli forces during the war.
Author's summary: Approximately 200 Palestinian fighters remain trapped in Rafah tunnels amid Israeli restrictions and concerns over captive remains, with ongoing tensions and casualties in the conflict.