In a troubling development, it has been confirmed by a senior U.S. official that Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, has been attempting to smuggle injured combatants out of the Gaza Strip amidst the evacuation of civilians. This revelation has posed significant challenges to ongoing rescue efforts following the recent terrorist attack on Israel.

According to reports from Fox News, wounded Hamas fighters were discreetly added to evacuation lists along with injured Palestinian civilians. This tactic has created complications and delays in the evacuation process, particularly for individuals with foreign passports or dual citizenship.

The U.S. has reported facing unreasonable demands from Hamas, which has resulted in prolonged delays for those trying to leave the conflict zone. Meanwhile, Israeli forces granted access to a crucial highway in the Gaza Strip for a limited three-hour window on Saturday to facilitate the evacuation. However, the window has since closed, and civilians are being directed to evacuate southbound away from the areas of armed conflict between the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Hamas.

The senior U.S. official disclosed on Friday that Hamas had agreed to allow foreign nationals to evacuate but insisted on including a list of injured Palestinians as well. Shockingly, the official revealed that approximately one third of the individuals on the evacuation list were members of Hamas.

In response to this revelation, Israel has accused Hamas of attacking IDF troops who were present to facilitate the evacuation. According to reports, the terrorists fired mortars and anti-tank missiles at the IDF, but fortunately, no injuries were reported among the Israeli forces.

The IDF has condemned Hamas for its actions, stating that this incident serves as proof of the group's exploitation of the Gazan population and its disregard for the safety and well-being of its own people.

As the evacuation efforts continue, authorities on the ground remain vigilant in ensuring the safety of civilians while facing the complex challenge of separating legitimate evacuees from militants attempting to escape justice. The situation underscores the desperate need for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing tensions between Israel and Gaza.

The international community closely watches as the evacuation process unfolds, hopeful for a swift and peaceful resolution that can bring an end to the suffering and loss experienced by both Palestinians and Israelis alike.