The tunnels dug by Hamas in the Gaza Strip continue to arouse the interest and concern of the Israeli army. These underground tunnels, nicknamed “the Gaza metro”, play a crucial role in the operations of the Palestinian Islamist group. As tensions between Israel and Hamas intensify, the destruction of these tunnels becomes a major issue for the Israeli army.
The tunnels are used by Hamas to smuggle fighters, weapons and other contraband from Egypt. Some tunnels go several dozen meters underground, providing protection against Israeli airstrikes. The exact extent of this underground network remains unknown, but the Israeli army announced that it had destroyed more than 100 kilometers of tunnels using airstrikes.
Hamas’ tunnels pose a challenge to the Israeli military because they are known only to members of the Islamist group. Underground fighting would give Hamas a major tactical advantage and make the Israel Defense Forces’ ground operations more difficult. Precise knowledge of the route of the tunnels and the location of the traps pose a major challenge for the Israeli army.
The tunnels were built in response to the Israeli blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip after Hamas took control of the region in 2007. They were initially used to smuggle goods and supplies from Egypt. Over the years, Hamas has developed these tunnels to carry out military operations in Israeli territory, notably during the 2014 campaign where they successfully infiltrated Israel and carried out attacks against soldiers.
Israel has implemented several measures to combat Hamas tunnels, including the construction of an underground wall belt equipped with sensors to detect any digging activity. However, the sustainability of this underground network still poses a challenge to the Israeli army, which must constantly adapt and develop new strategies to counter the threat posed by Hamas tunnels.
In conclusion, the tunnels dug by Hamas in the Gaza Strip remain a major concern for the Israeli army. These underground structures give the Islamist group a tactical advantage and make ground operations more complex. The destruction of these tunnels remains a key objective for Israel in order to guarantee the security of its borders.