Archive · 5 Dec 2025
Israel Kills 40 Hamas Fighters in Gaza Tunnels
The Israeli military said they killed about 40 Hamas fighters who were stuck in tunnels under Rafah in southern Gaza.
These fighters had been trapped for months, and some had either been killed in fights with Israeli forces or had given up.
The U.S. and other groups were trying to make a deal for the fighters to surrender, but those talks didn't work out.
Among those killed were some important Hamas leaders, but Hamas hasn't officially said if this is true or how many fighters might still be trapped.
Additionally, a prominent anti-Hamas leader, Yasser Abu Shabab, was killed while mediating a family dispute, which is seen as a blow to Israeli efforts to support anti-Hamas clans in Gaza.
Israeli forces killed around 40 Hamas militants trapped in tunnels in Rafah, southern Gaza.
About 200 militants had been trapped in the tunnels for months, with some surrendering or being killed in clashes.
U.S. and other mediators attempted to negotiate a deal for the militants to surrender but failed.
Among the killed militants were at least three local commanders and the son of a Hamas exiled leader.
Hamas has not officially confirmed the number of trapped fighters or the deaths reported by Israel.
- Who
- Israeli military, Hamas fighters, and anti-Hamas clans
- What
- Israeli forces killed 40 Hamas militants in tunnels; anti-Hamas leader Yasser Abu Shabab was killed in a family dispute.
- When
- Thursday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- Rafah, southern Gaza
- Why
- The militants were trapped in tunnels and engaged in clashes with Israeli forces; Abu Shabab's death is a setback for Israeli policy.
Israeli Government and Anti-Hamas Clans
Hamas and Critics of Israeli Policy
Support for Anti-Hamas Clans
Israeli Government and Anti-Hamas Clans
Israel supports anti-Hamas clans to challenge Hamas' rule and protect Israeli soldiers.
Hamas and Critics of Israeli Policy
Critics argue these groups cannot provide a real alternative to Hamas and may engage in infighting.
Hamas' Role in Gaza
Israeli Government and Anti-Hamas Clans
Hamas is seen as a terrorist organization that needs to be dismantled.
Hamas and Critics of Israeli Policy
Hamas views itself as the legitimate resistance against Israeli occupation and rejects disarmament.
- Location
- Rafah, southern Gaza
- Number of Hamas fighters killed
- 40
- Number of fighters trapped initially
- 200
- Key figures killed
- Three local commanders, Ghazi Hamad's son
- Status of Hamas confirmation
- No official confirmation
- Anti-Hamas Leader Killed
- Yasser Abu Shabab
- Israeli Policy
- Support for anti-Hamas clans
- Hamas Accusations
- Abu Shabab accused of looting aid
