Hamas fighters trapped in tunnels present new obstacle to Gaza ceasefire progress

Mediators are trying to negotiate the exit of scores of fighters believed to hiding in a southern area of Gaza under Israeli control.

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Key sticking points remain unresolved, including Hamas's disarmament, the reconstruction and future governance of Gaza, and the deployment of an international security force to the territory.

Without a timeline for the discussions, which are likely to require significant concessions from both Israel and Hamas, there are doubts that any progress can be achieved.

Another challenge has emerged recently, involving scores of Hamas fighters believed to be in tunnels beneath the southern city of Rafah behind the so-called "Yellow Line", which marks the area under Israeli control.

Last week, US special envoy Steve Witkoff said an amnesty could be offered for fighters who laid down their arms, and that this could be a "model" for what Washington hoped to apply in the rest of Gaza.