Israel at War: Week 109

Two hundred Hamas terrorists were trapped in a terror tunnel in Rafah about a week ago. Turkey calls the trapped individuals “citizens,” and United States President Donald Trump is requesting, or requiring safe passage for the terrorists out of Rafah—either to a Hamas-controlled area or to another country.

Hamas said, “Fighters holed up in the Israeli held Rafah area will not surrender to Israel and it urged mediators to find a solution to the crisis that threatens the month long cease fire.”

Concerning the situation of 200 Hamas fighters trapped in Rafah, Prime Minister Netanyahu said that they would not be released. Former prime minister Naftali Bennett said “IDF soldiers trapped dozens of terrorists in tunnels in the Rafah sector. Their choice is surrender or die.” For Defense Chief of Staff Benny Gantz said, “The terrorists outside of Gaza City violated the cease fire, and some of them have taken part in attacks against our soldiers. We mustn’t let them out of the tunnels and reorganize—especially when we still have hostages in Gaza.”

Five Israeli hostages remain in Gaza.

The decision should rest with Israel alone, with no outside negotiators, including the United States. The fact that 200 Hamas militants are trapped is just under the number of hostages Hamas took on October 7, 2023. I agree with the Israeli leaders’ opinions to refuse to let them go. These are not citizens, but terrorists with blood on their hands. If released they should be held captive—they should not go free.

(Source: israelhayom.com)