Hamas fighters trapped in tunnels present new obstacle to Gaza ceasefire progress

November 11, 2025

US envoy Jared Kushner has returned to Israel as mediators encounter new difficulties in advancing the Gaza ceasefire negotiations beyond the initial phase. A significant complication involves approximately 200 Hamas fighters reportedly trapped in tunnels beneath Rafah, with the US suggesting amnesty for those who disarm while Hamas demands safe passage and Israel refuses surrender terms. Major unresolved issues include Hamas's disarmament, Gaza's reconstruction and governance structure, and deployment of international security forces, with both sides accusing each other of truce violations.

Who is affected

Hamas fighters trapped in tunnels beneath Rafah
Remaining hostages held in Gaza (four bodies still there)
Palestinian prisoners and detainees (250 prisoners freed, 1,718 detainees released)
At least 240 Palestinians killed during the truce according to Hamas
Gaza residents affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis and potential partition
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government
US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff
Arab countries concerned about permanent partition
Western-backed Palestinian Authority
Countries considering troop commitments to a multinational force

What action is being taken

Jared Kushner is conducting meetings in Israel, including discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu
Mediators are attempting to advance ceasefire negotiations to the next phase
The first phase of the ceasefire is currently in effect, focusing on halting the war, returning hostages, and increasing humanitarian aid
Israel is restricting entry of aid supplies according to Hamas
Hamas is reportedly delaying the return of hostage remains according to Israel
The Israeli military occupies 53% of Gaza's territory

Why it matters

This situation matters because the fragile ceasefire could collapse without progress on critical issues, potentially reigniting full-scale conflict that has already claimed over 69,000 Palestinian lives since October 2023. The unresolved status of trapped Hamas fighters, disarmament demands, and governance questions threaten to derail negotiations entirely. The possibility of a permanent partition of Gaza would fundamentally reshape the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and undermine any future prospects for Palestinian statehood or unified governance. Additionally, the ongoing accusations of truce violations from both sides demonstrate the fragility of the current arrangement and the humanitarian consequences for Gaza's civilian population who desperately need sustained aid access and reconstruction.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC