Below the border with Egypt
Israeli military discovers three-meter-high Hamas tunnel
04.08.2024, 21:34
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Israeli soldiers have uncovered a sophisticated tunnel in the border town of Rafah. The military believes that Hamas was capable of transporting vehicles through this underground passage, which may have allowed the group to secure adequate supplies of weapons, ammunition, and other goods.
The Israeli military reports the discovery of a three-meter-high tunnel beneath the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt. This finding was made in Rafah during operations aimed at locating underground pathways, according to the armed forces. Soldiers encountered this particularly well-constructed tunnel a few days ago.
Hamas, which controlled the entire Gaza Strip prior to the onset of war on October 7, 2023, was reportedly able to move vehicles through this underground route. The military is currently in the process of demolishing these structures and implementing measures to prevent their reconstruction, as stated by the army. This information has not yet been independently verified.
It is believed that underground tunnels extending from the coastal region to Egypt have enabled Hamas to acquire sufficient supplies of weapons, ammunition, and other goods. Following nearly ten months of conflict, Israel has managed to destroy only a small portion of the tunnels throughout the Gaza Strip. Over the years, Hamas has constructed a vast network of tunnels spanning hundreds of kilometers across the Gaza Strip.
According to Israeli and U.S. officials, between 7,000 and 8,000 Hamas fighters are currently holed up in Rafah, near the Egyptian border, which remains the group’s last significant stronghold. Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and his brother Mohammed are said to still be alive, hiding in tunnels alongside Israeli hostages.
On October 7, terrorists from Hamas and other factions launched an assault on southern Israel. In this unprecedented attack, they killed approximately 1,200 people and took another 250 hostage. This incident triggered the ongoing Gaza War.
Below the border with Egypt
Israeli Military Finds Three-Meter-High Hamas Tunnel
04.08.2024, 21:34
Listen to article
This audio version was artificially generated. More info | Send feedback
Israeli soldiers discover a well-developed tunnel in the border town of Rafah. The army assumes that Hamas was even able to send vehicles through the underground passage. They are said to have enabled Hamas to obtain sufficient supplies of weapons, ammunition, and other goods.
The Israeli military has reported the discovery of a three-meter-high tunnel situated beneath the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt. This significant finding occurred in the border town of Rafah during military operations aimed at locating underground passages. Soldiers stumbled upon this particularly sophisticated tunnel just a few days prior.
Hamas, the Islamist group that exerted control over the entirety of the Gaza Strip until hostilities escalated on October 7, 2023, reportedly utilized this underground passage to transport vehicles. The Israeli armed forces are actively engaged in the demolition of such facilities, implementing safeguards to prevent their reconstruction. However, this information remains unverified by independent sources.
Significance of Tunnels for Hamas
These underground tunnels from the coastal area to Egypt have allowed Hamas to maintain access to a steady supply of weapons, ammunition, and other essential goods. Despite nearly ten months of conflict, Israel has only managed to destroy a small portion of these tunnels scattered throughout the Gaza Strip. Over the years, Hamas has developed an extensive network of tunnels, stretching hundreds of kilometers in total length.
Current Situation in Rafah
Israeli and U.S. officials estimate that between 7,000 and 8,000 Hamas fighters are currently concentrated in Rafah, which is becoming the last significant bastion of resistance for the group. High-profile leaders of Hamas, including Jahia Sinwar and his brother Mohammed, are believed to be hiding in tunnels alongside Israeli hostages.
The Trigger: The Outbreak of War
On October 7, 2023, a devastating attack was launched by Hamas and other militant groups against southern Israel. This unprecedented onslaught resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals, while around 250 others were taken hostage. This marked the beginning of what has evolved into an ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Operational Tunnels: Design and Functionality
| Type of Tunnel | Purpose | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Supply Tunnels | Transport weapons and supplies | Variable, typically large enough for vehicles |
| Escape Tunnels | Facilitate movement during raids | Narrow, designed for foot traffic |
| Command Centers | Operations planning and coordination | Spacious, networked for communication |
Hamas’ Strategic Use of Tunnels
- Logistics: Tunnels provide a hidden route for the transport of logistics, crucial for sustaining military operations.
- Surprise Attacks: They offer Hamas the element of surprise during attacks against Israeli positions, allowing them to strike unexpectedly.
- Protection: Tunnels serve as shelters from Israeli airstrikes and ground operations, creating safe havens for militants.
Challenges for the Israeli Military
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) face significant challenges in completely neutralizing Hamas’s extensive tunnel network. Despite advanced technological capabilities, the sheer size and complexity of the tunnels make it difficult to eliminate them all. Efforts continue through various means, including:
- Intelligence Gathering: Enhancing surveillance and reconnaissance to track tunnel activities.
- Ground Operations: Conducting ground missions in areas suspected of housing tunnel openings.
- Collaboration with Allies: Coordinating with international intelligence to gain insights into Hamas’s operations.
Possible Outcomes and Future Prospects
The ongoing conflict and the presence of tunnels stand as a significant barrier to peace in the region. The situation necessitates diplomatic efforts, military strategic adjustments, and humanitarian considerations:
- Diplomatic Solutions: Continuous dialogues may be essential for fostering peace, targeting the underlying causes of the conflict.
- Military Strategies: Israel might need to explore new tactics to effectively combat tunnel networks while mitigating harm to civilians.
- Humanitarian Response: Addressing the humanitarian crisis resulting from the conflict is imperative to stabilize the region.
Conclusion: The Ongoing Struggle and Its Implications
As the discovery of this three-meter-high tunnel underscores, the struggle between Israel and Hamas continues to evolve. Each finding presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the military, impacting strategic decisions moving forward.
