This Post Is Recently Updated on Dec 18, 2023 @ 23:32 pm by TBB Desk
The Israeli Army announced on December 17 that it had uncovered the largest tunnel constructed by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, located just a few hundred meters from the Erez border crossing. The tunnel, characterized by its large size that allows small vehicles to travel within it, is part of an extensive network stretching over four kilometers and nearing the Erez border crossing.
This massive tunnel, constructed under the guidance of Mohamed Yahya, brother of Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar, cost millions of dollars and took years to build. Yahya Sinwar is believed to have masterminded the October 7 attacks. The tunnel is equipped with a drainage system, electricity, ventilation, sewage, a communication network, and rails. Its floor comprises compacted earth, while the walls are reinforced with concrete. The entrance features a metal cylinder with half-inch thick walls.
The Israeli Army, which provided footage believed to be filmed by Hamas, showed a small construction vehicle being driven into the tunnel, a temporary warehouse with pre-cast concrete, and workers using power tools for digging. A significant cache of weapons ready for an attack was also found in the tunnel.
Lieutenant Colonel Richard Hecht, an Israeli Army spokesperson, emphasized that Hamas had invested heavily in the tunnel for the sole purpose of attacking Israel and its residents. He criticized Hamas for prioritizing attacks over supporting Gaza’s people, noting the tunnel’s proximity to the Erez crossing, a vital point for the controlled entry of Palestinian workers and those seeking medical care.
The tunnel discovery comes in the backdrop of a surprise attack by the Islamist militant group Hamas against southern Israel on October 7, resulting in approximately 1,140 deaths, mostly civilians, and about 250 hostages. Israel’s response included a bombardment and ground invasion of Gaza to target Hamas. According to the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza, over 18,800 people, predominantly women and children, were killed during the war.
Known as the “Gaza Metro” by the Israeli military, these tunnels, initially meant to circumvent the Israeli-Egyptian blockade since 2007, have facilitated the movement of people, goods, and weapons into Gaza. Post the 2014 war with Israel, Hamas has expanded the network for rocket launches. A study by the Modern War Institute at West Point reported approximately 1,300 tunnels over 500 kilometers. The Israeli Army claimed to have discovered over 800 tunnels, destroying about 500.
Recent Israeli media reports suggest the army is considering flooding the tunnels with seawater from the Mediterranean, following successful tests.
Key Points
- Largest Hamas Tunnel Discovered: Israeli Army uncovers extensive tunnel near Erez border crossing.
- Sophisticated Construction: Tunnel equipped with drainage, electricity, ventilation, and reinforced walls.
- High Investment by Hamas: Millions spent on tunnel, prioritizing attacks over Gaza’s welfare.
- Impact of Tunnel Network: Facilitates movement of weapons, people, goods, and rocket launches.
- Israeli Response: Potential flooding of tunnels with seawater as a countermeasure.
