What it is about
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have successfully demolished six critical Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad tunnels in Gaza City’s Shejaiya neighborhood. The operation, which started less than two weeks ago, also identified and began demolishing at least three more tunnels.
Why it matters
Targeting the underground infrastructure of terror groups, this operation aims to dismantle the command and control capabilities of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Eliminating these tunnels significantly disrupts their ability to regroup and launch attacks, thus enhancing Israel’s national security and stability in the region.
Details
Among the destroyed tunnels, one deemed the “flagship” tunnel of Islamic Jihad in Gaza City, spanned 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles). This tunnel was identified as a key command and control center for the terror group, filled with laptops, weaponry, and valuable intelligence material, which signifies its recent use.
The Shejaiya Operation
Launched on June 27 by the IDF’s 98th Division, the Shejaiya raid followed intelligence about Hamas operatives regrouping in the area. Other targets included a prominent Hamas tunnel and multiple attack tunnels extending toward Israel; two nearing the Israeli border across from Nahal Oz.
This intensive operation has resulted in the dismantling of approximately six kilometers of tunnels and has led to the elimination of over 150 gunmen in Shejaiya thus far. The sacrifice of four IDF soldiers underscores the dangerous nature of such missions.
Further Operations and Results
Parallel efforts by the IDF’s 99th Division in southern and western parts of Gaza City are ongoing, with dozens of gunmen neutralized and additional terror infrastructures located. Despite some civilians being displaced due to increased military activity, the IDF has made extensive efforts to issue evacuation warnings to minimize civilian casualties.
Key Insight
The IDF’s raid on a school complex in Shejaiya revealed significant intelligence, weaponry, and infrastructure, reflecting both the challenge and effectiveness of the operations. Insights gained from Shejaiya provide critical data, aiding the troops in methodically dismantling terrorist nests and thwarting their plans to regroup.
Humanitarian Response
Israel continues to maintain moral integrity by signaling evacuation warnings and affirming that hospitals should remain operational. In one incident, despite no official evacuation order for an area, patients were moved from the Al-Ahli Hospital to ensure their safety.
Deploying Resources Effectively
The recent hostilities initiated by Hamas on October 7 with their unprecedented attacks have propelled Israel into a necessary defensive ground invasion in Gaza. With over 15,000 combatants and terrorists eliminated, the IDF has emphasized its commitment to dismantling Hamas and safeguarding Israeli lives. Although Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reports a higher casualty figure, often indistinguishable between civilians and combatants, Israel remains focused on its objective to restore peace and stability.
Conclusion
The ongoing IDF operations reveal significant progress in neutralizing imminent threats, safeguarding Israel’s borders, and securing its population. The strategic dismantling of terror networks demonstrates Israel’s diligence and commitment to long-term regional stability.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.