What’s happening

Hamas spokesperson Osama Hamdan has declared that the group’s underground tunnel network is resistant to Israeli detection efforts. During a press conference in Beirut, he confidently stated that the tunnels were engineered with potential Israeli countermeasures in mind, including sophisticated surveillance and water pumping strategies.

Why it matters

The announcement comes amid Israel’s intensified scrutiny and inspection of the tunnels, particularly those extending into the Mediterranean Sea. Israel asserts that its operations are precise and avoid areas where captives might be held, highlighting the ongoing strategic maneuvers in the region.

The bigger picture

Hamas’s tunnel network is a critical component of their strategy against Israeli forces. The tunnels have been used in the past for military operations, smuggling, and as a means of circumventing Israeli blockades.

No Progress on Hostage Negotiations

Additionally, Hamdan addressed the issue of hostages, stating that Hamas will not engage in negotiations or release any captives until there is a complete halt to hostilities against Gaza, signaling a stalemate in this sensitive area of Israel-Hamas relations.

This story was first published on jpost.com.