Archive · 4 Nov 2025
Netanyahu Rejects Safe Passage for Hamas Terrorists in Rafah
Leaders in Israel are discussing what to do with about 200 Hamas fighters trapped in an area controlled by Israel near Rafah.
Some news reports said Israel might let them leave safely if they give up their weapons and Hamas returns bodies of Israeli hostages.
However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said this is not happening and they are not allowing safe passage.
Two other ministers, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir, strongly disagree with letting the fighters go, saying they should be killed or arrested instead.
The military did report eliminating some terrorists who threatened soldiers.
This comes after the bodies of three Israeli soldiers killed on October 7th were identified.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office rejected reports that Israel was considering safe passage for approximately 200 Hamas terrorists from the Rafah area.
Earlier reports suggested Israel might allow the terrorists' passage if they surrendered weapons and Hamas returned bodies of fallen hostages.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir strongly opposed any safe passage, calling for the terrorists to be killed or imprisoned.
The Israel Defense Forces reported eliminating several terrorists who approached soldiers and posed an immediate threat.
The bodies of three Israelis, Col. Assaf Hammi, Capt. Omer Neutra, and Sgt. Oz Daniel, killed in the October 7th attack, were identified.
- Who
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, Hamas terrorists, Israeli Defense Forces
- What
- Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected reports of considering safe passage for approximately 200 Hamas terrorists from the Rafah area, despite earlier reports suggesting such a possibility under specific conditions.
- When
- Monday
- Where
- Rafah area, Gaza
- Why
- Netanyahu's office stated a firm stance on disarming Hamas and thwarting terrorist threats. Opposition ministers demanded the terrorists be killed or imprisoned, not released.
Hardline Stance
Consideration of Passage/Surrender
Terrorist Movement from Rafah
Hardline Stance
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir advocate for killing or imprisoning the 200 Hamas terrorists trapped in the Israeli-controlled Rafah area, opposing any form of safe passage.
Consideration of Passage/Surrender
Reports suggested Israel might consider allowing safe passage for the 200 Hamas terrorists if they surrendered weapons and Hamas returned fallen hostages' bodies, with mediators discussing evacuation via Red Cross vehicles.
Prime Minister's Stance
Hardline Stance
While Netanyahu's office officially stated Israel is not allowing safe passage and maintains a firm stance on disarming Hamas, earlier reports indicated a potential consideration of passage under specific conditions, which he later rejected.
Consideration of Passage/Surrender
Earlier media reports, not explicitly denied but later contradicted by Netanyahu's office, suggested a potential approval for safe passage of terrorists if certain conditions were met.
- Number of Hamas Terrorists
- Approximately 200
- Location
- Israeli-controlled Rafah area
- Conditions for Potential Passage (Reported)
- Surrender of weapons, return of hostage bodies
- Government Opposition
- Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir
- Hostages Identified
- Col. Assaf Hammi, Capt. Omer Neutra, Sgt. Oz Daniel
- October 7 Attack Casualties
- 1,200 killed, 252 taken captive
