US Urges Israel to Permit Safe Passage for hamas Operatives in Rafah
Washington – The United States is pressing Israel to allow between 100 and 200 Hamas operatives to safely exit Rafah, the southernmost city in Gaza, as part of ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release deal, according to sources familiar with the discussions. The request, relayed in recent days, aims to facilitate the transfer of individuals Israel considers key Hamas members to a third contry, potentially Qatar, in exchange for further concessions from the militant group.
The Biden administration’s intervention underscores the escalating urgency to finalize a hostage agreement and alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Rafah, where over a million Palestinians are sheltering. The US believes enabling the departure of these operatives – while politically sensitive for Israel – is a necessary component to unlock further progress in negotiations, potentially averting a full-scale Israeli military operation in the densely populated city. The move reflects a delicate balancing act for Washington, attempting to support israel’s security while simultaneously pushing for a resolution that protects civilian lives and secures the release of hostages held by Hamas as the october 7 attacks.
The request centers on individuals identified by Israel as holding significant command or intelligence roles within Hamas. While Israel has publicly vowed to dismantle the institution, officials privately acknowledge that allowing some operatives to leave could be a pragmatic step toward achieving a broader agreement. The exact number of operatives and the terms of their departure remain points of contention,with Israel seeking guarantees regarding their future activities and preventing their return to gaza.
Negotiations, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US, have been fraught with difficulty. Hamas is demanding a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza as preconditions for releasing all remaining hostages, while Israel insists on maintaining its security control and continuing military operations to eliminate the threat posed by Hamas. The US is attempting to bridge the gap between the two sides, emphasizing the need for a phased approach that addresses both Israeli security concerns and palestinian humanitarian needs.
The potential agreement would involve a phased release of hostages in exchange for a pause in fighting and the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.The US is also working to secure increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, wich is facing widespread shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. The situation in Rafah remains especially dire, with the potential for a large-scale Israeli offensive raising fears of mass casualties and further displacement.
The Biden administration has repeatedly expressed its concerns about the humanitarian consequences of a military operation in Rafah and has urged Israel to prioritize the protection of civilians. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently stated that the US would not support a military operation that does not have a “clear and achievable plan” for protecting civilians. The US request regarding the Hamas operatives is seen as a further attempt to avert such an operation and create conditions for a sustainable ceasefire.
