The Israeli Army Announces the Elimination of Militants Inside Tunnels in Rafah Amid Ongoing Operations in Southern Gaza

The Israeli army announced today, Monday, the killing of six militants belonging to Hamas during military operations inside tunnels east of Rafah in southern Gaza Strip, as part of the ongoing operations carried out by the army in the area.

Search Operations and Underground Clashes

The army explained in an official statement that its forces carried out military operations inside an underground tunnel network, resulting in the killing of six additional militants during direct confrontations. It noted that combat units conducted extensive search operations targeting sites believed to be used as hideouts for armed elements.
The statement also confirmed that the recent clashes were part of a series of sporadic confrontations that the city has witnessed in recent days, pointing out that Israeli forces had previously managed to kill three militants during similar operations in the same area.

Continuation of Military Operations Since the Invasion of Rafah

These developments are part of the military operations that the Israeli army began in Rafah since May 2024, where security estimates indicate the continued presence of armed elements within a complex tunnel network in the city, despite the army's control over its areas.
Last week, the army announced the killing of four armed elements inside one of the tunnels in Rafah, as part of ongoing military efforts to dismantle the combat structure of the movement.

Stalled Attempts to Reach a Settlement

In contrast, reports conveyed by Reuters indicated that the movement announced losing contact with its military groups inside Rafah, while mediation efforts failed to reach an agreement allowing militants to exit the city. Reports also stated that the Israeli army demanded that the militants surrender and lay down their arms.

Escalation of Tensions in the Southern Sector

The recent developments confirm the continuation of military escalation in southern Gaza Strip, amid warnings of ongoing combat operations in border areas, given the complexity of the field scene and the difficulty of ending the presence of fighters within the tunnel network.