Netanyahu and Kushner Agree on Plan to Deport 200 Hamas Militants from Rafah Tunnels

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. envoy Jared Kushner have reportedly reached an agreement to deport approximately 200 Hamas militants who are currently trapped in the tunnels of Rafah, located in southern Gaza. This development was disclosed by the Israeli newspaper "Yedioth Ahronoth," citing a source within the security cabinet.

The agreement stipulates that Israel will permit the safe deportation of these militants to a third country, a move intended to expedite the next phase of an existing ceasefire plan. However, Israeli officials have noted that no country has yet consented to accept the deportees, despite extensive diplomatic efforts by the U.S., including outreach to Turkey and Qatar.

This agreement was discussed during a meeting between Netanyahu and Kushner in Jerusalem earlier this week, focusing on stabilizing the ceasefire in Gaza and preventing a resurgence of violence, particularly in regions such as Rafah and Khan Younis.

Internally, the Israeli cabinet has expressed mixed reactions to the plan. Some members argue that deporting the militants without accountability could be perceived as a political concession, while others regard it as a necessary humanitarian and security measure to uphold the ceasefire agreement.