Israel reports 17 Hamas fighters killed in Rafah operation

The Israeli army announced Saturday that its forces had killed 11 Hamas members and arrested six others during military operations in eastern Rafah, in what it described as a targeted campaign against the group's underground infrastructure in southern Gaza.

24-Hour Military Operation

According to an Israeli military statement, troops conducted what they characterized as a "24-hour pursuit" in the Rafah area, locating and apprehending what they claimed were Hamas members attempting to flee from tunnel networks. The army reported that the six detainees were transferred to the Shin Bet security agency for questioning, while eleven others were killed during the operation.

Ongoing Tensions in Rafah

The announcement follows Friday's claim by Israeli forces that they had killed five Palestinians who emerged from a tunnel in Rafah, alleging they posed an immediate threat. The operation occurs despite an active ceasefire agreement, with Rafah falling within areas occupied by Israeli troops under the "yellow line" arrangements established when the truce took effect on October 10.

Standoff Over Trapped Fighters

Israeli media reports indicate approximately 200 Hamas fighters remain trapped in Rafah tunnels, with Israel rejecting appeals from Hamas and mediators for their safe passage to areas under the group's control. Egyptian media suggested Israel might be using the standoff to undermine the ceasefire, though Israeli sources close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied he had made any commitments to Washington regarding the trapped fighters.

Conflicting Positions

Israeli officials have publicly urged the fighters to surrender for interrogation, warning they would be killed if they refuse. Hamas's Qassam Brigades has previously stated it has "no concept of surrender," holding Israel fully responsible for any clashes involving its trapped fighters. The developments occur against the backdrop of ongoing ceasefire violations reported since the truce began.