The Trump administration is reportedly exerting intense pressure on Israel to allow the release of approximately 200 Hamas terrorists trapped in tunnels beneath Rafah, Israel’s Channel 12 reports tonight.
Israeli defense officials remain firm in their position that the terrorists should either be eliminated or released only in exchange for the return of hostages’ bodies.
According to reports, the pressure from Washington stems from concern that an Israeli strike on the trapped terrorists could derail ongoing ceasefire negotiations. Hamas has conveyed to Israel that if it prevents the terrorists from exiting the tunnels, Israel will not receive the remains of the hostages.
The IDF maintains that the terrorists should be neutralized or traded only if it directly leads to the return of captives. Officials believe Hamas is using the situation to stall progress and delay the next phase of the ceasefire, which would require the group to disarm.
Around 200 Hamas fighters have been captured in areas of Gaza currently under Israeli control since the ceasefire began. Israel is reportedly considering allowing their transfer back into Gaza on the condition that they lay down their weapons. Among those trapped are believed to be terrorists responsible for the killings of three IDF soldiers—Major Yaniv Kola, Lieutenant Itay Yaavetz, and Master Sergeant Effi Pelbaum—during the ceasefire period.
Security officials say the potential decision to allow the terrorists to return to Gaza is motivated by a desire to protect the lives of soldiers operating in the area and to assist in the search for additional hostages’ remains.
Reports indicate that the terrorists are trapped in several tunnels under territory now controlled by Israeli forces and cannot move without crossing areas guarded by IDF units.
A senior Israeli official emphasized that the Prime Minister “is not permitting the safe passage of 200 Hamas terrorists” and remains unwavering in his stance that Hamas must be fully disarmed and the Gaza Strip demilitarized while Israel continues to neutralize any threats to its forces.
{Matzav.com}
Trump can go fly a kite. He doesn’t control the foreign sovereign Nation of Israel. Neither does Jared Kushner or Steve Witkoff. Israel has to be concerned about their country’s security and future.
There’s no logical reason that the terrorists should be released before the hostages are returned, especially since they were supposed to be returned a few weeks ago with the ceasefire. If this “Netanyahu” will comply, he should immediately be replaced. TRUMP HAS BECOME A DANGER TO ISRAEL.
Don’t be silly. Have you forgotten – for example – how he made them turn around 52 planes that were ready to attack Iran. How “sovereign” of them to listen to him then, too.
Turn coat trump.
Selling out his Jewish country and family.
I don’t expect anything less.
They can die as they let their hostages die.