Rafah: The Israeli army asserted it had killed 40 Hamas members who were trapped in Rafah, located in the southern Gaza Strip, last week. The military emphasized its ongoing operations to dismantle tunnels in eastern Rafah, aiming to neutralize armed militants residing within these structures.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Israeli military reported that over 40 militants were eliminated inside the tunnels. Previously, the army also announced it had killed and captured other Hamas fighters in the Rafah area. However, there has been no immediate response from Hamas regarding these claims.

Israeli media reports suggest that approximately 200 Hamas fighters remain trapped in the underground tunnels in Rafah. Tel Aviv has yet to address demands from Hamas and mediators for safe passage for these fighters to areas under Hamas control.

Rafah is situated in the yellow zone, a segment of the region still under Israeli military occupation within the Gaza Strip. A ceasefire agreement, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and Trkiye and supported by the US, was enacted on October 10 between Israel and Hamas within the Gaza Strip. The initial phase of this ceasefire arrangement involves the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. It also includes plans for the reconstruction of Gaza and the establishment of a new governance framework, excluding Hamas.

Since October 2023, Israeli actions in Gaza have resulted in over 70,000 deaths, predominantly women and children, and nearly 171,000 injuries.