Israeli Forces Eliminate Four Palestinian Militants Exiting Gaza Tunnels in Rafah Amidst Fragile Ceasefire

Israeli Military Reports Killing Four Militants Emerging from Gaza Tunnels in Rafah

The Israeli army announced on November 30 its forces had eliminated four Palestinian militants as they exited underground infrastructure in Rafah, located in the southern Gaza Strip. This incident occurred amidst ongoing Israeli military operations in the eastern Rafah area, where numerous Hamas fighters are believed to be entrenched within a complex network of tunnels beneath zones now under Israeli control.

Ongoing Operations and Ceasefire Dynamics

According to the Israeli military, the four individuals were identified and neutralized by ground troops, guided by the Israeli Air Force, after emerging from tunnels overnight. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that troops in the Southern Command continue to operate in adherence to the existing ceasefire agreement, with a mandate to address any immediate threats.

This development follows a previous report by Israel's military on November 28, claiming the deaths of over 30 fighters attempting to flee the extensive tunnel network. Multiple sources confirmed to AFP on November 27 that delicate negotiations are underway concerning the fate of an estimated 60 to 80 Hamas militants still believed to be hidden within the southern Gaza tunnels.

Notably, Hamas made its first public acknowledgement of this predicament on November 26, appealing to mediating countries to exert pressure on Israel to ensure safe passage for the trapped fighters.

The Broader Context of the Conflict and Ceasefire

The US-brokered ceasefire, facilitated by Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar, became effective on October 10. Under its terms, the Israeli army was to withdraw behind the 'Yellow Line' within the Gaza Strip – a surface boundary marked by yellow concrete blocks. Intriguingly, the Hamas militants are currently located in tunnels on the Israeli-controlled side of this Yellow Line.

The truce remains precarious, with both Israel and Hamas levying accusations of violations, all while the Gaza Strip continues to grapple with a severe humanitarian crisis.

The current conflict began following Hamas's October 7, 2023, assault on Israel, which resulted in 1,221 fatalities. Israel's subsequent retaliatory actions in Gaza have, according to the territory's health ministry (figures considered reliable by the UN), led to the deaths of at least 70,100 people. Since the ceasefire's implementation, the ministry reports an additional 354 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire.