The Israeli army confirmed that over the past few weeks, it has utilized advanced intelligence and technological means to uncover, comb through, and neutralize a strategic tunnel run by the Hamas organization. They added that operations uncovered more than 4 kilometers of the tunnel's route, which reaches a maximum depth of approximately 50 meters. The closest opening of the tunnel is about 400 meters from the Erez crossing, which has been used for the passage of workers, goods, and patients in recent years. The tunnel's path branches off into several diverging paths and lateral lines, forming a wide and complex network of tunnels. The route includes infrastructure for sewage, electricity, communications, and telephones, in addition to solid doors designed to prevent Israeli military entry.
Israel stated that the tunnel allows for vehicle movement inside, and many combat tools belonging to Hamas were found within it. The tunnel construction project involved a team of dozens of Palestinians who came specifically from Khan Younis to northern Gaza to build it. During the construction, materials that have not yet been disclosed in relation to tactical tunnels belonging to Hamas were used, as well as special drilling machines that were smuggled into the sector. According to estimates, Hamas invested millions of dollars in creating the underground tunnel network throughout the sector. The statement, as shared by Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee, concluded by mentioning offensive operations that originated from this tunnel and targeted Israeli forces during fighting in Gaza. A few days ago, Hamas elements were spotted inside the tunnel, and Israeli defense forces then neutralized them.
