Israeli Military Uncovers Extensive Hamas Tunnel Near Gaza Border

The Israeli army announced on Sunday the discovery of what they describe as the largest Hamas tunnel found in the Gaza Strip to date, situated just a few hundred meters from a crucial border crossing. Reportedly spanning over four kilometers, this underground network, which could accommodate small vehicles, was uncovered within close proximity to the Erez border crossing.

Israeli forces estimated that the construction, costing millions of dollars and taking years to complete, was led by Mohamed Yahya, the brother of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who is believed to have orchestrated the October 7 attacks. The intricate tunnel system features drainage systems, electricity, ventilation, sewage facilities, communication networks, and rails.

Footage released by the Israeli army, allegedly filmed by Hamas, displayed a construction vehicle entering the tunnel, a makeshift warehouse filled with pre-cast concrete, and workers using rudimentary power tools for excavation. The military stated that a significant quantity of weapons was discovered in the tunnel, indicating its potential use in an attack.

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Hecht, an army spokesman, emphasized that Hamas had invested substantial resources in the tunnel project with the sole intent of attacking Israel and its residents. The location of the tunnel, near the Erez crossing used for the controlled entry of Palestinian workers and those seeking medical care, underscored Hamas's prioritization of attacking Israel over supporting the people of Gaza.

Dubbed the "Gaza Metro" by the Israeli military, these tunnels were initially created to circumvent the Israeli-Egyptian blockade imposed in 2007. Over the years, the tunnel network has expanded, and Hamas has frequently utilized it for rocket launches. Israel has discovered and destroyed numerous tunnels, with recent reports suggesting considerations of flooding them with seawater as a preventative measure.