What it is about
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced its successful discovery and destruction of a major Hamas tunnel in southern Gaza’s Rafah, close to the Egypt border crossing. The tunnel was reportedly used for smuggling weapons into Gaza.
Why it matters
The discovery and destruction of the smuggling tunnel represent a significant disruption to Hamas’s military capabilities and efforts to reestablish itself in areas previously targeted by IDF operations. This action contributes to Israel’s ongoing mission to neutralize threats posed by terror groups.
Details
Tunnel Discovery
As part of their continued operations in Rafah, IDF troops found several shafts leading to a 2-kilometer-long (1.2-mile-long) underground tunnel. Inside, they uncovered numerous weapons, explosives, and significant intelligence materials. Combat engineers subsequently demolished the tunnel, which was part of a larger network used by Hamas.
Hamas Tunnel Network
The IDF has so far found about 20 such tunnels that cross into Egypt along the Philadelphi Route. These tunnels have been a longstanding resource for Hamas to smuggle weapons despite Egypt’s countermeasures over the years.
Operational Gains in Central Gaza
On Wednesday, the IDF also announced operational control over east Bureij and east Deir al-Balah in central Gaza. This advancement follows a fresh offensive targeting terror operatives and infrastructure. In these operations, the IDF has located multiple tunnel shafts and killed several gunmen through combat and airstrikes.
October 7 War Context
Eight months into the conflict, which began with Hamas’s brutal attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, Israel continues its military operations with the goal of dismantling Hamas. This offensive was launched in response to a coordinated attack by Hamas, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 individuals and the abduction of 251 hostages.
International Developments
Support Efforts
In parallel with military efforts, the Pentagon reported a reassessment of the costs for a temporary aid pier off Gaza’s coast. The amount has been adjusted from $320 million to $230 million, despite recent setbacks caused by harsh weather. This pier is essential for enhancing humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza.
Controversial Figures
Amid the conflict, the Hamas-controlled Gaza health ministry reported at least 36,586 Palestinian deaths and 83,074 injuries since October 7. These figures, however, cannot be independently verified. Israel maintains that around 15,000 of these deaths were terror operatives targeted in combat operations.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.