Israel Reports Nine More Militants Killed in Gaza Tunnels

The Israeli army said Friday it had found the bodies of nine Palestinian militants recently killed during operations targeting the tunnel network in southern Gaza.

In eastern Rafah, soldiers "located nine additional terrorists who had been eliminated in the underground terror infrastructure," the army said. "So far, over 30 terrorists attempting to flee the tunnels in eastern Rafah have been neutralised."

Multiple sources reported that negotiations are ongoing over the fate of dozens of Hamas fighters holed up in southern Gaza tunnels, located on the Israeli-controlled side of the ceasefire's Yellow Line.

Hamas has publicly requested mediating countries to pressure Israel for safe passage for its fighters. The US-brokered ceasefire, mediated by Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar, entered into force on October 10, with Israel withdrawing behind the Yellow Line.

Mediators are reportedly discussing proposals to allow Hamas fighters to leave the tunnels safely to prevent renewed clashes and preserve the ceasefire. Hamas estimates between 60 and 80 fighters remain in the tunnels near Rafah.

The ceasefire remains fragile, with ongoing accusations of violations from both sides. The Gaza Strip continues to face a severe humanitarian crisis.

The current conflict erupted after Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed 1,221 people. Israel’s retaliatory strikes have killed at least 69,799 Palestinians, according to Gaza health ministry figures considered reliable by the UN. Since the ceasefire, 352 Palestinians have reportedly been killed by Israeli fire.