The fate of Hamas fighters inside Rafah’s tunnel network has become the main obstacle in advancing the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, with mediators warning that any attempt to force their surrender could jeopardize the entire agreement.
US mediators held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the focus moved to the second and “more complex” phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, Reuters news agency reported.
The discussions reportedly centered on the presence of a group of Hamas fighters in tunnels located in Rafah.
According to the Israeli government spokesperson, “Netanyahu and US envoy Jared Kushner discussed disarming Hamas, removing weapons from Gaza, and ensuring that Hamas does not play a role in governing the territory,” issues expected to be central in the next phase of negotiations.
A source familiar with the meeting said that it “highlighted the issues of fighters in the tunnels and the expected international stabilization force in Gaza outlined in the Trump plan.” The spokesperson added that any decisions regarding Israel’s policies in Gaza will be coordinated with the Trump administration.
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Safe Passage Seen as Key Test
Last week, US envoy Steve Witkoff described the proposal involving safe passage for the fighters, reportedly conditional on surrendering their weapons, as a significant “test of the next steps toward implementing the ceasefire plan.”
However, two Western diplomats told Reuters that Israel remains reluctant to allow such passage, whether within Gaza or toward Egypt.
A Hamas official confirmed that “talks regarding the safe passages are still ongoing,” emphasizing that the movement aims to avoid giving Israel grounds to undermine the agreement. The official reiterated, however, that Hamas rejects the surrender of its fighters.
In a statement on Sunday, the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, announced that the Israeli occupation “bears full responsibility for the clash with our fighters in Rafah,” affirming that its fighters will not surrender under any circumstances.
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“In the lexicon of the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, there is no place for the principle of surrender or handing oneself over to the enemy,” the statement read, adding that the fighters in Rafah are “defending themselves in an area under the occupation’s control, and they are not in a position of capitulation.”
A Palestinian source said mediators have intensified efforts because any attempt to forcefully extract the fighters could threaten the entire ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Egypt is preparing to send a large delegation to Gaza for an extended visit aimed at shaping Cairo’s direct role in the post-war phase, according to Arab sources cited by Israeli Channel 15.
The delegation will meet with Palestinian factions and local actors to develop a framework for reconstruction and to outline security and administrative arrangements in the territory.
(PC, Reuters)
Thats about all they do is get together and talk. The leaders. After Israel pounded Palestine for months it was obvious the leaders got to go all over the world to discuss the problem. Vacation.
” According to the Israeli government spokesperson, “Netanyahu and US envoy Jared Kushner discussed disarming Hamas, removing weapons from Gaza, and ensuring that Hamas does not play a role in governing the territory,” issues expected to be central in the next phase of negotiations.
Why would Hamas disarm? Contrary to popular belief…they’re not the bad guys there.
Remove weapons from Gaza? in case everyone missed it…the Israeli Nazis are still killing children…
the people should govern their own land. The Israeli Jewish Nazis are the problem. They should be forced to disarm and have their weapons removed, then they should be expelled.
It’s all bullsh!t. Just another distraction, a smokescreen. And how much money changes hands each time they have yet another get together to discuss how they’re going to prolong things a few more months?
Another lavish meal, a few lines of blow on a silver platter…and what is that ladyboy doing to that guy over there?!!
(ohmyfriggn)WHAT is going on here?
Clearly the Jewish Nazis don’t want peace. All these meetings aren’t about ending the genocide, they’re psychological terrorism. False hope, Double Speak.