What it’s about
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Friday that they have located a short, unfinished underground tunnel near a hospital in the West Bank city of Tulkarem. This discovery was made amid an ongoing counter-terrorism operation.
Why it matters
This finding is significant as it indicates potential new challenges in the West Bank area, where tunnel construction is rare. Tunnels have predominantly been an issue in the Gaza Strip. By uncovering and addressing this tunnel, the IDF demonstrates its commitment to ensuring security and combating terrorism.
Details on the Tunnel
The IDF reported that the tunnel had an entrance but no exit, showing signs that it was still under construction. Troops will now investigate further and subsequently destroy the tunnel to prevent any future terrorist activity.
Operational Context
The IDF resumed its major counter-terrorism operation in the northern West Bank on Tuesday after a brief pause. Named “Summer Camps,” the operation began on August 28. Since its resurgence, the IDF has neutralized 10 gunmen in conflicts and drone strikes, reflecting robust anti-terror efforts.
Additional Arrests and Incidents
On Friday, police released footage showing the elite Yamam unit detaining a wanted Palestinian in a West Bank hospital in Halhul early Thursday. The suspect, involved in an attempted car bombing a month ago, had been receiving medical treatment at the hospital.
Since October 7, the IDF has arrested around 5,000 wanted Palestinians, over 2,000 of whom were affiliated with Hamas. Despite the arrests and preventive actions, there have been casualties. More than 670 West Bank Palestinians have been killed, the majority being gunmen, rioters, or terrorists involved in attacks as per IDF reports.
The Cost of Terrorism
During the same period, 33 individuals, including Israeli security personnel, have fallen victim to terror attacks in Israel and the West Bank. Additionally, six security force members have lost their lives in clashes with terror operatives in the West Bank.
Contributors
This report includes contributions from Times of Israel staff and agencies.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.