Archive · 10 Nov 2025
Turkey Mediates Safe Exit for Civilians Trapped in Gaza Tunnels
Imagine some people are stuck in underground tunnels in Gaza, and Turkey is trying to help them get out safely.
There are about 200 civilians and potentially 150 fighters trapped.
A peace agreement, or ceasefire, started a little while ago, and Turkey wants to make sure it continues.
As part of this peace, some people who were captured have been let go.
Hamas has returned the bodies of some people who died while being held, and Turkey helped with this before.
Hamas says its fighters won't give up, but they are asking mediators, like Turkey and the US, to find a way to keep the peace.
The US is also talking to Israel about letting the fighters leave the tunnels if they stop fighting and give up their weapons.
This is all happening to help people and keep the fighting from starting up again.
Turkey is mediating to ensure the safe passage of approximately 200 civilians trapped in tunnels under the Gaza Strip.
Hamas fighters in the Rafah have stated they will not surrender and are urging mediators to find a solution to preserve the ceasefire.
The US is reportedly pressing Israel to allow 150 Hamas militants to exit Gaza tunnels in exchange for disarmament.
A ceasefire began on October 10, involving the release of 20 hostages by Hamas and approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners by Israel.
Hamas is returning the remains of hostages who died in captivity, with 22 bodies identified and six more remaining.
- Who
- Turkey, Hamas, Israeli forces, US, approximately 200 Gazan civilians, 150 Hamas militants
- What
- Turkey is mediating efforts for the safe exit of civilians trapped in Gaza tunnels and is involved in ongoing ceasefire discussions concerning Hamas militants and hostage/prisoner exchanges.
- When
- Ceasefire began October 10; Hamas statement regarding surrender made recently; Turkey's mediation efforts are ongoing.
- Where
- Gaza tunnels, Rafah area, Southern Gaza Strip
- Why
- To secure the safe passage of trapped civilians and potentially facilitate a deal involving Hamas militants in exchange for disarmament, while also working to preserve the ceasefire.
Hamas/Turkey Perspective
Israeli/US Perspective
Tunnels and Ceasefire
Hamas/Turkey Perspective
Turkey is working to ensure the safe passage of approximately 200 Gazan civilians trapped in tunnels under the Gaza Strip. Hamas fighters in the Rafah area have stated they will not surrender and urged mediators to find a solution to preserve the month-old ceasefire, which they claim is threatened by the crisis. Hamas's commitment to the ceasefire is reflected in the handover of hostage remains.
Israeli/US Perspective
The US is reportedly pressing Israel to allow 150 Hamas militants to exit Gaza tunnels in exchange for disarmament. These militants are believed to be underground in southern Gaza within the Israeli-controlled 'yellow line' under the current ceasefire.
Hostage and Prisoner Exchange
Hamas/Turkey Perspective
Hamas is returning the remains of hostages who died in captivity, with 22 bodies identified so far and six more remaining. Turkey previously facilitated the return of the remains of Israeli officer Hadar Goldin.
Israeli/US Perspective
As part of the ceasefire agreement that began October 10, Hamas released 20 hostages held since October 7, 2023, and Israel freed approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
- Civilians Trapped in Gaza Tunnels
- Approximately 200
- Mediator
- Turkey
- Militants reportedly in tunnels
- 150
- Ceasefire Start Date
- October 10
- Hostages Released by Hamas
- 20
- Prisoners Released by Israel
- Approximately 2,000
- Hostage Remains Returned by Hamas
- 22 identified, 6 remaining
- Previous Turkish Mediation
- Return of remains of officer Hadar Goldin (2014 conflict)
Sources
Gaza death toll surpasses 69,000 amid body exchanges under fragile Israel-Hamas ceasefire, said officials
Gaza death toll tops 69,000 as Israel and Hamas exchange remains amid ceasefire
Hamas armed wing to hand over body of Israeli soldier on Sunday
Hamas says fighters holed up in Rafah will not surrender
After 11 Years, Hamas To Return Body Of Israeli Officer Killed In 2014
'Not In Dictionary': Hamas Says Fighters In Rafah Will Not Surrender
