The Israeli Defense Forces have uncovered a significant underground Hamas tunnel in Gaza, marking a strategic blow to the militant group, according to military analysts.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have revealed one of the largest underground infrastructures utilized by Hamas, located beneath the southern Gaza city of Rafah. This extensive network, described as one of Hamas’s “most complex” tunnel systems, stretches approximately seven kilometers and reaches depths of about 25 meters. The IDF’s findings indicate that the tunnel contains around 80 rooms and was primarily used for command operations, weapons storage, and providing shelter for Hamas operatives.
A video released by the IDF on November 20 showcases the sophisticated design of the tunnel, featuring reinforced concrete passageways and large chambers. The military asserts that this particular tunnel originated beneath a compound operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and extends under various civilian sites, including mosques and schools.
In a statement, the IDF emphasized the significance of this discovery, noting that the tunnel was linked to the abduction of Israeli officer Lt. Hadar Goldin during the 2014 Gaza war. The IDF’s post on social media highlighted the strategic implications of the tunnel’s existence, stating, “IDF troops uncovered one of Gaza’s largest and most complex underground routes, over 7 km long, ~25 meters deep, with ~80 hideouts, where abducted IDF officer Lt. Hadar Goldin was held.”
Israeli analysts view the demolition of this tunnel as a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict, suggesting it could pave the way for Hamas’s eventual defeat. Professor Kobi Michael, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) and the Misgav Institute, remarked, “The destruction of this tunnel, as well as many others like it, pushes Hamas to the edge.” He noted that this tunnel serves as a “root tunnel,” which is crucial for Hamas’s underground warfare strategy, feeding into numerous tactical tunnels used for command and control, weapon storage, and logistical operations.
Michael further explained that such tunnels are typically manned by hundreds of militants and commanders, underscoring their importance in Hamas’s military infrastructure. The IDF believes that this specific tunnel network may have been connected to the area where Lt. Goldin was held captive. Earlier this month, Hamas returned Goldin’s remains to Israel after more than a decade.
The exposure of this tunnel has shed light on the extent of Hamas’s underground operations, which have been a focal point of Israel’s military strategy. The IDF continues to prioritize the destruction of these tunnel networks as part of its efforts to dismantle Hamas’s military capabilities and prevent future attacks. In 2014, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed a commitment to destroy the tunnels used by Hamas militants to infiltrate Israeli territory, stating he would do so “with or without a ceasefire.”
According to a 2023 investigation by Reuters, Hamas has claimed that it has utilized these tunnels to conceal hostages taken during its October 7 attack on Israel. The IDF has reported that its ground forces have uncovered approximately 1,500 Hamas tunnels and shafts throughout the Gaza Strip, highlighting the extensive nature of the militant group’s underground operations.
As the situation in Gaza continues to evolve, the implications of this tunnel discovery remain significant for both military strategy and the broader conflict between Israel and Hamas.
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