Hamas’s newly appointed military spokesman, Abu Obeida, issued a statement blaming Gaza-based militias aligned with Israel for the deaths of Hamas fighters in Rafah. According to the statement, the militants emerged from an underground tunnel and were killed after engaging Israeli Defense Forces earlier today.

Abu Obeida also commended Hamas operatives who he said have been surrounded for months inside a tunnel network in Rafah.

“Salutations to our resistance fighters besieged in the Rafah valley, who rejected humiliation and surrender and chose martyrdom instead,” he said, adding that their actions would be remembered and taught to future generations.