The Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, has declared its fighters will not surrender to Israeli forces in Rafah, placing full responsibility for the ongoing clashes on the Israeli occupation.

The announcement comes during delicate, internationally-brokered negotiations concerning the return of the bodies of captives, including Israeli officer Hadar Goldin. The situation on the ground remains tense, with Hamas fighters positioned in Rafah—a region still under Israeli military control—and unable to withdraw due to the ongoing siege and occupation of Palestinian territory.

“In the lexicon of the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, there is no place for surrender or voluntarily handing ourselves over to the enemy,” the statement read, asserting the group's right to resist occupation. It called on mediators to broker a solution that “ensures the continuation of the ceasefire and respects the dignity and rights of our people.”

Hamas further detailed that the recovery of the remaining captives' bodies is a complex operation, requiring specialized teams and technical equipment to operate in areas still dominated by Israeli forces. This highlights the challenging conditions under which Palestinian resistance groups are forced to operate.

The statement reinforces Hamas's unwavering commitment to its fighters and the principle of resistance, even as negotiations continue. It frames the group's stance as a matter of national dignity and a legitimate right to defend Palestinian land against a foreign military occupation. (ILKHA)