Title: The discovery of the largest Hamas tunnel in Gaza
Introduction
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announce they have discovered the largest Hamas tunnel in Gaza, stretching over a length of four kilometers. This article explores the details of this discovery and examines the role of the tunnels in the terrorist organization’s activities.
The Hamas tunnel: a strategic infrastructure
According to the IDF, the tunnel, which was secured a few weeks ago but revealed recently, is wide enough to allow the passage of a large vehicle. It reaches a depth of 50 meters underground and is equipped with electricity, ventilation and communication systems. Although it does not cross the Israeli border, it stops 400 meters from the old Erez crossing point.
The tunnel was part of Hamas’ strategic infrastructure, used for troop movements and as a launching point for attacks. Footage shared by the IDF shows a vehicle entering the tunnel and an improvised railway track inside. However, the veracity of these images and the IDF’s claims could not be independently confirmed.
Ties with Hamas leadership
The IDF said the tunnel system was designed by Muhammad Sinwar, brother of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. However, no evidence has been provided to support this claim. Israeli forces have exposed “hundreds of terrorist tunnel shafts across the Gaza Strip” and say they are working to locate and destroy dozens of attack tunnel routes.
Roles of Hamas tunnels
It is estimated that Hamas has built approximately 500 kilometers of tunnels under Gaza, although this figure is questionable. These tunnels are used to smuggle goods from Egypt, launch attacks against Israel, store munitions and rockets, and house Hamas command centers.
The importance of the discovery of the tunnel at Al-Shifa Hospital
The discovery of a tunnel shaft at the site of the Al-Shifa hospital complex, the largest in the Gaza Strip, has been at the center of the IDF’s argument that there could be a network of tunnels underneath. The hospital was raided by Israeli forces last month, who accuse Hamas of establishing a command center there. Hamas and hospital officials say it is used exclusively for patient care.
The tunnel flooding method
Separately, a US official said the Israelis have begun flooding some Gaza tunnels with seawater in an effort to destroy the underground network. This method is currently being tested on a limited basis, but if proven effective, it could be used on a larger scale to harm the tunnel network.
Conclusion
The discovery of Hamas’ largest tunnel in Gaza highlights the scale of underground infrastructure used by the terrorist group. The IDF has taken steps to locate and destroy these tunnels, with the aim of ensuring the security of Israel and its citizens.