Negotiations to End the Crisis of Hamas Fighters Trapped in Rafah Tunnels

Informed sources regarding the negotiations concerning the fate of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) fighters trapped in the Rafah tunnels confirmed on Thursday that discussions are ongoing to reach a solution to this crisis.

The French Press Agency quoted a Hamas leader - who requested anonymity - stating that "negotiations and communications with mediators (Qatar, Turkey, Egypt) and the Americans are continuing in an effort to end the crisis."

According to the agency, a Palestinian source familiar with the negotiations confirmed that this issue was discussed this week, while a source in one of the mediating countries told the agency that the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey are working to reach a settlement that would allow Hamas fighters to exit the tunnels located behind the "yellow line" in southern Gaza.

Hamas condemned yesterday the Israeli occupation's pursuit of its fighters trapped in the Rafah tunnels for elimination, considering it a blatant violation of the ceasefire. It stated that it has made significant efforts to resolve their issue, but the Israeli occupation has undermined them, calling on mediators to act swiftly to bring them back.

Hamas stated in a statement, "The brutal crime committed by the occupation through the pursuit, elimination, and arrest of the mujahideen trapped in the tunnels of Rafah city constitutes a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and is compelling evidence of ongoing attempts to undermine and destroy this agreement."

Hamas holds the Israeli occupation "fully responsible for the lives of our mujahideen," urging "the brother mediators to take urgent action to pressure the occupation to allow our sons to return to their homes, as they represent a unique model of sacrifice, heroism, and patience, and a symbol of the dignity and freedom of the Palestinian people."

Israel estimates the number of Hamas fighters trapped in the area it occupies in Rafah to be around 200; however, Israeli officials stated that the trapped Hamas fighters must choose between "surrendering" or dying inside the Rafah tunnels.