The timing of the announcement has fueled speculation that Hamas is using the discovery to pressure Israel into approving the Rafah evacuation in exchange for the bodies’ return.By Vered Weiss, World Israel NewsHamas has reportedly asked mediators to arrange the evacuation of hundreds of its fighters trapped in Rafah, south of the Israeli-controlled Yellow Line in Gaza, according to a Sunday report by Al Jazeera.Negotiators are said to be working with both sides to reach a deal that would permit the movement of Hamas members from the area without engaging Israeli forces.The proposal calls for Red Cross vehicles to escort the convoys along approved routes to prevent clashes during the withdrawal.Sources cited by the Qatari outlet claimed that Hamas has accepted the suggested framework and that the mediators are now waiting for Israel’s response.No official comment has been released by Jerusalem or the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit.The report appeared just after Hamas announced it had recovered the remains of three Israeli hostages in Gaza. The group alleged that one of the bodies belonged to Colonel Asaf Hamami, commander of the Southern Brigade in the Gaza Division, who was killed in combat on October 7.The timing of the announcement has fueled speculation that Hamas is using the discovery to pressure Israel into approving the Rafah evacuation in exchange for the bodies’ return. Hamas has not indicated whether it plans to repatriate the remains.The Rafah area has remained a flashpoint throughout the conflict, with terrorist cells operating in tunnels and densely populated neighborhoods despite Israel’s control of nearby corridors.Terrorists from this sector were recently involved in an attack that killed three Israeli soldiers, heightening Israeli concerns about any proposed movement of personnel from the zone.As of late Sunday, discussions between intermediaries and both sides were still underway. Observers say any arrangement would require precise coordination to ensure that the humanitarian escort does not become a cover for renewed hostilities or the regrouping of armed factions.The post Hamas asks mediators to arrange for evacuation of terrorists from Rafah after supposed return of hostage remains appeared first on World Israel News.