Report: Israel operating in Egypt, Libya, Sudan amid fears hostages could be smuggled out of Gaza

A report in the Lebanese Al-Akhbar reports that Israeli special forces and intelligence are operating in the Sinai, Libya and Sudan amid fears that Hamas will try to smuggle hostages out of Gaza.

Al-Akhbar, a pro-Hezbollah newspaper, says that Israel is particularly concerned that Hamas will try to take hostages to Iran and Lebanon.

The report also says that Israel has asked Egypt to be able to operate on the Egyptian side of the Gaza border to ensure that there are no tunnels there that could be used by Hamas to smuggle the hostages or leaders of the terror group out of Gaza.

While it’s not clear if permission was granted, the report says Egypt has assured Israel that it has seen no signs of Hamas activity in Egypt and is willing to inspect any areas that Israel identifies.