DZWatch Exclusive: The Trump administration is reportedly pressing Israel to make progress on a viable solution regarding Hamas fighters located in tunnels beneath Rafah, behind the established ‘Yellow Line’ where Israeli forces are deployed. This development comes as the issue threatens to disrupt ceasefire agreements in the Gaza Strip.
The situation, involving an estimated 150-200 Hamas fighters, has been a point of contention for several weeks. It is understood that the matter was a topic of discussion during recent meetings between US envoy Jared Kushner and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
According to sources, the US is eager to move forward to the next phase of the Gaza agreement and resolve the issue of the fighters in Rafah. One proposed solution involves the relocation of these fighters to a third country. Discussions regarding this potential transfer are ongoing.
Furthermore, reports indicate that negotiations are taking place between the United States and Turkey concerning the Hamas fighters trapped in the tunnels. Tel Aviv is allegedly considering allowing the fighters to depart for Turkey, from where they could be distributed to various other nations. A senior Israeli official suggested that Israel might permit this move should the US exert sufficient pressure.
Under the initial phase of the ceasefire agreement brokered last month, the entire city of Rafah falls behind the ‘Yellow Line,’ an area under Israeli military control. However, this area includes sections where active resistance tunnels remain, housing the Hamas fighters in question. The resolution of this issue is crucial for the continued stability of the ceasefire and the broader peace process.
DZWatch will continue to monitor this developing story.
