Hamas, mediators said discussing issue of Hamas fighters trapped in Gaza tunnels

Hamas and mediating countries are discussing ensuring safe passage for dozens of Hamas fighters holed up in tunnels in IDF-controlled southern Gaza, multiple sources close to the talks tell AFP.

“Discussions and communications with the mediators (Egypt, Turkey and Qatar) and the Americans are ongoing in an effort to resolve the crisis,” a Hamas leader says on condition of anonymity, due to the sensitivity of the subject.

Yesterday, Hamas called on mediating countries to pressure Israel to allow safe passage for its fighters  — the first time the terror group had publicly acknowledged the situation.

A source from one of the mediating countries confirms to AFP that the US, Qatar, Egypt and Turkey have been speaking “with the aim of reaching a compromise that would allow Hamas fighters to leave the tunnels behind the Yellow Line near Rafah,” referring to the ceasefire line dividing Gaza between areas under IDF control and areas de facto controlled by Hamas.

“This issue has been discussed… with Egyptian officials… this week,” a Palestinian source familiar with the talks says.

However, Israel does not publicly appear to be open to compromise on their safe release from the tunnels.