 have purportedly installed five large water pumps near the al-Shati refugee camp in Gaza City){kind=link}
Israel is reportedly considering a plan to flood the intricate tunnel network used by Hamas under the Gaza Strip with water pumped from the Mediterranean Sea.
The aim is to dismantle the terrorist group’s underground infrastructure, forcing its fighters above ground, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal citing US officials.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have purportedly installed five large water pumps near the al-Shati refugee camp in Gaza City.
These pumps have the capacity to flood the tunnels within weeks by pumping thousands of cubic meters of water per hour. The plan is part of Israel’s ongoing efforts to neutralize Hamas’s underground passages and hideouts.
The report indicates that Israel informed the United States about the plan last month, though a final decision on implementation has not been made.
There is speculation about the potential timing, with uncertainties regarding whether the IDF would proceed before the release of all hostages abducted by Hamas and other Palestinian terror groups during the October 7 attack in southern Israel.
The concern revolves around the risk posed to hostages held underground during such flooding operations.
According to the report, the Biden administration’s response to the Israeli plan appears mixed.
While some officials express reservations and concerns, others reportedly support Israel’s efforts to destroy the tunnels, emphasizing that there is not necessarily unanimous American opposition.
The consideration of unconventional tactics, such as flooding, adds a new dimension to the complex and longstanding conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Both sides continually adapt their strategies, and the potential flooding of tunnels underscores the innovative approaches employed in pursuit of strategic advantages.
As the situation unfolds, the world watches closely to see if Israel will implement this unique strategy and how it might impact the ongoing dynamics between the conflicting parties.
The delicate balance between military objectives and the safety of hostages underscores the complexities inherent in addressing security threats in the region.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members