United States officials described the situation in Gaza as fluid and highly sensitive, with Washington leaving room for the possibility that some hostages held by Hamas could be located in underground tunnels. The remark came as part of ongoing updates about how the group’s network of tunnels might intersect with Israeli operations and humanitarian concerns. The spokesman noted that there were indications some captives were told they were being kept in subterranean facilities, which could influence how Hamas conducts its captivity strategy and how it coordinates with its human shields and other operatives in the area. These points were raised in conversations with media outlets and during briefings where officials stressed the need for careful verification and restraint in discussing battlefield details. (RIA News)
The official further stated that there is no mandate to confirm every report on the status or location of hostages and that Washington would avoid endorsing unverified claims that could complicate rescue efforts or endanger people involved. In tandem with this stance, U.S. policymakers reiterated their support for Israel’s right to defend itself while urging responsible steps to minimize harm to civilians and to reduce the risk to hostages in the conflict’s volatile environment. (RIA News)
In related remarks, President Joe Biden acknowledged the ambiguity surrounding the situation, noting that it is not possible to determine with certainty whether hostages are trapped inside flooded tunnels. The comment underscored the broader challenge of gathering precise, real-time intelligence amid the chaos and devastation on the ground. (RIA News)
Meanwhile, former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly asserted a determination to dismantle Hamas’s infrastructure and leadership, asserting that the group’s capabilities must be destroyed. His position reflects a continuing policy stance aimed at denying Hamas any strategic foothold and preventing future attacks, even as civilian safety concerns remain at the forefront of international diplomacy and humanitarian debate. (RIA News)