What’s happening:

Israel has constructed five high-capacity pumps with the capability to flood Hamas terror tunnels in the Gaza Strip using seawater.

Why it matters:

The development of these pumps represents a new strategy by the Israeli military to counteract the threat posed by underground tunnels used by Hamas for militant activities. These tunnels have been employed for moving fighters, storing weapons, and orchestrating attacks against Israel.

By the numbers:

About 800 tunnels have been identified by Israel beneath the Gaza Strip, which have been crucial for Hamas’ operations. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have already destroyed 500 tunnel shafts and recently carried out their 10,000th airstrike against Hamas targets.

What we’re watching:

The effectiveness of this new approach is yet to be determined as the full details of the tunnel network’s complexity are not known. Moreover, there are concerns regarding the potential presence of hostages, including Americans, who were captured by Hamas during an attack on October 7.

What they’re saying:

While Israeli officials have not publicly committed to the flooding plan, the IDF has affirmed its commitment to using various military and technological tools to dismantle terror capabilities. U.S. officials have been briefed on the plan, but it remains unclear how imminent its execution might be.

The impact:

If implemented, the flooding strategy could force militants and any hostages to evacuate the tunnels, while simultaneously disabling a critical component of Hamas’ infrastructure. Israel continues to emphasize the protection of civilians in its ongoing efforts to neutralize the threat from Hamas.

Between the lines:

The introduction of these pumps underscores the ongoing tension in the region and Israel’s proactive measures to safeguard its national security. This development is part of a broader effort by Israel to combat terrorism and maintain stability in the face of persistent threats.

This story was first published on foxnews.com.