Hamas moves wounded hostages underground as ceasefire collapses

Wounded Israeli hostages have been transferred to underground tunnels in Gaza following the breakdown of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, according to a senior Palestinian militant official cited by the London-based newspaper Al-Arabi Al-Jadid.

The official, who was not named in the report published Sunday, stated that the joint operations command for Gaza's militant factions has raised alert levels across all armed groups in the territory. These heightened security measures specifically include cells responsible for guarding the remaining Israeli hostages.

"All concessions implemented during the first phase of the ceasefire have been canceled," the official told Al-Arabi Al-Jadid, adding that militants holding hostages have been instructed to revert to their pre-ceasefire security protocols.

The report indicates that several wounded hostages who had been receiving medical treatment in facilities with "more appropriate equipment" have now been relocated to what were described as "secure tunnels." This movement reportedly occurred after Israel halted humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza and resumed military strikes on targets in the coastal enclave.

Egyptian officials, speaking to Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, assessed that Gaza has sufficient resources to withstand "one to two weeks following the halt of humanitarian aid." These officials characterized Israel's recent actions as an attempt to pressure Hamas into accepting an extension of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement without progressing to the second phase, which reportedly would have involved more extensive prisoner exchanges.

Diplomatic efforts continue despite the escalation. President Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected to arrive in the region soon, according to the Egyptian sources, who noted that discussions with American officials remain ongoing.

In a separate but related development, Nasr al-Din Amer, identified as a senior Houthi official, warned through a Hamas-affiliated news agency: "If Israel returns to fighting, then we will return to escalation against Israel, with Tel Aviv under fire."

The Egyptian officials cited in the Al-Akhbar report suggested that the ultimate outcome of the current situation depends on domestic political dynamics within Israel, particularly "how long the hostages' families can maintain pressure on Netanyahu and his government."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has faced increasing criticism from families of hostages who have been calling for prioritizing the return of their loved ones over continued military operations.

Walla contributed to this article.