Hamas Appeals to Mediators for Safe Passage for Fighters Trapped in Gaza Tunnels
Gaza City – Hamas is calling on international mediators to pressure Israel to allow safe passage for its members who are reportedly trapped within the extensive network of underground tunnels in the southern Gaza Strip. The appeal comes as Israeli forces maintain control over the area and claim to have killed over 20 Hamas fighters attempting to escape the tunnels in the past week, with an additional eight captured.
According to a statement released by Hamas on Wednesday, the group holds Israel “fully responsible for the lives of our fighters” and urges mediators to intervene promptly to secure their return. This marks the frist public acknowledgement by Hamas that its fighters are currently trapped within the tunnel system since the recent ceasefire agreement.
Israeli media reports suggest that between 100 and 200 Hamas militants may be stranded in the tunnels beneath Rafah,a city now under Israeli military control. The situation highlights the complex challenges facing both sides as the conflict continues to unfold.
The ceasefire, brokered by the United States and effective as of October 10th, stipulates the withdrawal of Israeli forces from coastal areas of Gaza up to the “yellow line,” demarcating the area under Israeli control.
Earlier this month, US special envoy Steve Witkoff referenced the presence of approximately 200 fighters trapped in Rafah during a business conference in Miami, further confirming the precarious situation facing Hamas members within the tunnel network.
The request for safe passage underscores the ongoing difficulties in navigating the aftermath of the conflict and the urgent need for continued diplomatic efforts to address the humanitarian and security concerns in the region.
Keywords: Hamas, Israel, Gaza, Tunnels, Rafah, ceasefire, Conflict, mediators, Fighters, Underground.