Hamas Fighters Trapped Underground as Ceasefire Faces Strain

Deep beneath the ruins of Rafah in southern Gaza, a significant challenge persists for both Israel and Hamas. As the ceasefire, which began on October 10, 2023, enters its second month, numerous Hamas militants remain trapped in tunnels beneath Israeli-held territory. This situation complicates ongoing diplomatic efforts to maintain a fragile peace.

The issue revolves around an estimated 200 Hamas fighters, who are organized into independent cells and unable to exit the tunnels without risking confrontation with Israeli forces. With the ceasefire dividing Gaza along a designated line, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that he will not allow these militants to return to Hamas-controlled areas without accountability. Hamas, on the other hand, insists its fighters will not surrender or disarm.

In light of these tensions, the Trump administration is urging Israel to develop a viable solution. According to two Israeli sources, the U.S. envoy, Jared Kushner, addressed the issue in recent meetings with Netanyahu. “The Americans want to move ahead to the next phase and close the Rafah prisoners file,” one source stated. This second phase includes the establishment of an international security force in Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, and a further withdrawal of Israeli troops.

Negotiating these elements poses significant challenges, particularly given the lack of a clear strategy for the isolated Hamas militants. One proposed solution involved relocating the fighters to a third country, with Turkey mentioned as a potential option. However, no agreements have been reached, leaving the militants in a precarious position.

As the weeks progress without resolution, these underground cells represent a growing risk. With scarce access to food and water, the militants face a stark choice: surrender or fight. Muhammad Shehada, a Gaza expert with the European Council on Foreign Relations, noted that even Hamas may not fully understand the extent of the situation, stating, “Hamas doesn’t even know how many are there that are still alive.”

This stalemate has already threatened the ceasefire’s stability. Recent attacks attributed to these isolated cells have provoked significant Israeli military responses, including airstrikes that resulted in substantial Palestinian casualties. On October 19, Israeli forces retaliated after the deaths of two soldiers, leading to airstrikes that killed at least 44 Palestinians. Another incident shortly thereafter resulted in over 100 fatalities, including many civilians.

Amidst this backdrop, neither Israel nor Hamas appears willing to alter their positions. On Sunday, Hamas’s military wing, the Al Qassam Brigades, issued a statement affirming that there would be no negotiations regarding surrender to Israeli forces. They emphasized the responsibility of mediators to facilitate a resolution that ensures the continuation of the ceasefire.

In response to these challenges, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have engaged with the Hamas cells, conducting operations to dismantle their underground infrastructure. During recent operations, the IDF reported encounters with militants, leading to the use of force in accordance with the ceasefire agreement that allows for the destruction of military assets in Gaza. Hamas views these actions as violations of the ceasefire terms.

Domestically, Netanyahu faces pressure from right-wing factions to reject any agreements that would allow Hamas militants safe passage to their territories. Former Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman criticized the potential for leniency, stating, “For the terrorists who murdered IDF soldiers, there must be only two options: surrender and imprisonment or death.”

As diplomatic efforts continue, the situation remains precarious. The U.S. has invested considerable resources to ensure the ceasefire plan advances, but the reality of the trapped Hamas militants presents a complex obstacle to achieving lasting peace in the region.