Israel Faces Diplomatic Dilemma Over Hamas Fighters in Gaza Tunnels

The fragile ceasefire in Gaza is under strain as numerous Hamas fighters remain trapped in tunnels beneath the city of Rafah, southern Gaza. Approximately 200 militants are reportedly isolated in these underground passages, complicating the ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict that has persisted since the ceasefire was established on October 10, 2023.

These tunnels, which are located behind Israeli lines, have become a focal point of contention. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly stated that he will not permit these Hamas militants to simply exit the tunnels and return to areas controlled by Hamas. The situation poses not only a tactical challenge for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) but also a complex diplomatic issue that lacks a straightforward resolution.

Diplomatic Pressures and Potential Solutions

The Trump administration has been actively involved, encouraging Israel to find a viable solution to the situation. According to two Israeli sources, U.S. envoy Jared Kushner raised the issue during meetings with Netanyahu earlier this week, emphasizing the need to address the status of the militants. “The Americans want to move ahead to the next phase and close the Rafah prisoners file,” one source noted.

This second phase of the ceasefire is expected to include the establishment of an international security force in Gaza, disarmament of Hamas, and further withdrawal of Israeli forces. Each of these components requires intricate negotiations involving multiple countries, making the presence of Hamas fighters in Israeli-occupied territory a significant obstacle.

One potential solution discussed has been the deportation of militants to a third country, with Turkey mentioned as a possible destination. As of now, no concrete plan has emerged, leaving the situation in a state of uncertainty.

Netanyahu has consistently denied reports suggesting an agreement regarding the release of what Israel categorizes as terrorist cells. A senior Israeli official stated on Tuesday, “The prime minister did not commit to the Americans to release the prisoners from Rafah,” and added that “contrary to reports, no agreed-upon solution exists.”

Humanitarian Concerns and Military Operations

The lack of resolution leaves the trapped Hamas militants with limited options: surrender or continue to fight under increasingly dire conditions. With restricted access to food and water, the situation is deteriorating rapidly. Muhammad Shehada, a Gaza expert affiliated with the European Council on Foreign Relations, highlighted the precariousness of the situation, stating, “Hamas doesn’t even know how many are there that are still alive.”

The stalemate has already threatened the ceasefire, which was intended to bring an end to hostilities. Recently, isolated cells of Hamas have been linked to attacks on Israeli forces, prompting significant retaliatory actions from Israel. For instance, on October 19, following the deaths of two Israeli soldiers in Rafah, Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of at least 44 Palestinians. Just over a week later, further Israeli strikes led to over 100 Palestinian casualties, including many children, after another soldier was killed.

In the face of ongoing military actions, Hamas’ military wing, the Al Qassam Brigades, issued a statement asserting their refusal to “surround or hand oneself over to the enemy.” They placed the onus on mediators to find a resolution that would ensure the continuation of the ceasefire.

As the IDF continues to engage with the Hamas cells underground, they have reported operations aimed at dismantling military infrastructure. On Wednesday, Israeli troops claimed to have identified and engaged “four terrorists” in areas occupied by Israel. These actions are framed by Israel as necessary under the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement, yet Hamas views them as violations of the established terms.

Political pressure within Israel further complicates the situation. Netanyahu faces demands from right-wing factions to avoid any agreements that would allow Hamas militants safe passage back to their controlled territories. Former Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman has publicly stated that the only acceptable outcomes for the militants are imprisonment or death, reinforcing the political constraints on Netanyahu’s administration.

While the issue of the trapped militants is unlikely to completely derail the ceasefire initiative, it remains a significant challenge for negotiators. The United States is investing substantial diplomatic resources to ensure progress, yet the complexities presented by the militants in the tunnels continue to pose a serious hurdle to achieving a lasting peace in the region.