Hamas Fighters in Gaza Tunnels Stall Ceasefire Progress

Published: 13 November 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

US President Donald Trump’s envoy and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, returned to Israel on Monday as negotiators face fresh obstacles in advancing the fragile Gaza ceasefire to its next phase.

Significant points of contention remain unresolved, including Hamas’s disarmament, Gaza’s reconstruction and governance, and the potential deployment of an international security force. With no set timeline, progress is uncertain, as both Israel and Hamas would need to make substantial concessions.

A new challenge has emerged concerning Hamas fighters believed to be hiding in tunnels beneath the southern city of Rafah, beyond the so-called “Yellow Line,” which marks Israeli-controlled areas. Last week, US special envoy Steve Witkoff suggested an amnesty might be offered to fighters who surrender, a proposal he described as a potential model for Gaza. Reports estimate around 200 fighters are trapped, though the figure remains unconfirmed.

Kushner and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the issue during a meeting in Jerusalem. Hamas has insisted its fighters will not surrender unless granted safe passage, which Israel has refused. An Israeli government spokeswoman said the leaders discussed “phase one,” focusing on hostage returns, and “phase two,” concerning the disarmament of Hamas, Gaza’s demilitarisation, and preventing Hamas from playing any role in its future governance.

The current conflict stems from Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack on southern Israel, which killed approximately 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Since then, over 69,000 people have been killed in Gaza due to Israeli strikes, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

The ceasefire’s first phase, implemented last month, concentrated on halting hostilities, returning hostages, and increasing humanitarian aid. Twenty hostages and 24 deceased captives have been released; four bodies remain in Gaza. In return, Israel freed 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,718 detainees from Gaza held without charge, as well as returning the remains of 315 Palestinians.

Both sides have accused each other of violations. Israel claims Hamas has delayed returning hostages’ remains, while Hamas accuses Israel of killing at least 240 Palestinians and restricting aid.

Hamas continues to reject disarmament until a Palestinian state is established. Israel refuses governance involvement by the Palestinian Authority in Gaza, and countries remain hesitant to commit troops to a multinational force due to potential clashes with Hamas and other factions.

Currently, Israeli forces control 53% of Gaza and are expected to withdraw further during the next stage. Without breakthroughs in talks, a de-facto partition of Gaza appears likely, with reconstruction efforts confined to Israeli-controlled areas. Arab states have expressed concern that this separation could become permanent. Notably, the Trump plan does not provide a path toward Palestinian statehood, which Israel opposes.