The underground tunnels built by Hamas in the Gaza Strip have become one of the factors prolonging the conflict with Israel.
How were these tunnels made, what are their functions, and why is Israel struggling to destroy them?
The Unexpected Tunnels
On October 7, 2023, a surprising attack occurred on the Israel-Gaza border. A group of Hamas militants emerged from a hole in the ground and fired at patrolling Israeli forces. The attack killed five Israeli soldiers and injured several others.
This attack showed that Hamas has an extensive and secret network of underground tunnels beneath the Gaza Strip.
These tunnels are not only used to smuggle weapons, explosives, and other goods from Egypt but also to launch sudden attacks against Israel.
Israel, which has been besieging Gaza since 2007, feels threatened by the existence of these tunnels. Israel considers these tunnels a strategic threat and tries to destroy them with air and ground attacks.
However, Israel’s efforts are not easy. The Hamas tunnels turned out to be more sophisticated, sturdy, and extensive than expected.
Even an Israeli military engineer admitted he was surprised by the sophistication of the Hamas tunnel technology.
“We knew this is what we expected to see, but I didn’t expect the tunnels to be this strong, there’s a lot of concrete, stairs, and intersections inside the tunnels. I thought it would be a bit more primitive, but this is really sophisticated,” he said.
Tunnels That Become Lifelines
Underground tunnels in Gaza are not new. Since the time of Israeli occupation, these tunnels have been used by Gaza residents to overcome blockades and isolation.
These tunnels have become their lifeline to get necessities, such as food, medicine, fuel, and even livestock.
When Hamas took over Gaza in 2007, these tunnels evolved to become more professional and systematic.
Hamas organizes and supervises these tunnels strictly. Hamas also benefits from these tunnels by collecting taxes from goods coming in and out.
These tunnels also become Hamas’s main asset to strengthen its military. Hamas uses these tunnels to smuggle weapons, rockets, and explosives from Egypt and Iran.
Hamas also uses these tunnels to store weaponry, train its forces, and launch attacks against Israel.
According to estimates, there are about 1,000 tunnels under Gaza, with a total length of 2,000 kilometers.
These tunnels have varying depths, ranging from 10 meters to 30 meters. These tunnels are also equipped with ventilation systems, electricity, communication, and even railway tracks.
Tunnels That Are Hard to Destroy
Israel, which is disturbed by the Hamas tunnels, has tried to stop the tunnel activities in various ways. Israel has built a security fence along the Gaza border, dug trenches, and used sensor technology to detect tunnels. Israel has also conducted air and ground attacks to destroy detected tunnels.
However, Israel’s efforts are not entirely successful. The Hamas tunnels are very hard to destroy. These tunnels are built with thick and strong concrete, making them resistant to explosions.
These tunnels also have many hidden entrances and exits, making them hard to track. These tunnels also have many branches and intersections, making them hard to trace.
In addition, the Hamas tunnels also have a sophisticated defense system. These tunnels are equipped with surveillance cameras, traps, and mines.
These tunnels are guarded by fully armed Hamas forces ready for battle. These tunnels also have an early warning system, so Hamas can know if there is an Israeli attack.
“We usually don’t go in, but we explore it, and we see it, so it’s really surprising,” said an Israeli military officer.
Tunnels That Remain Mysterious
Despite various efforts, Israel still cannot master the Hamas tunnels. Israel admits that they still do not know how many tunnels there are, where they are located, and what their functions are.
Israel also admits that they still do not have effective technology to destroy these tunnels.
The Hamas tunnels remain a mystery to Israel. These tunnels remain a threat to Israel. These tunnels remain a hope for Hamas.
The Hamas tunnels remain an underground secret that shocks Israel.
