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The Israeli military has reportedly commenced the process of pumping seawater into Hamas’ tunnel complex in Gaza, according to unnamed U.S. officials cited by the Wall Street Journal.
The operation, aimed at targeting the underground network used by the Hamas group, is expected to span several weeks.
Some officials within the Biden administration have asserted that the introduction of seawater could play a crucial role in neutralizing the tunnels, where Israel suspects Hamas of concealing hostages, fighters, and munitions.
The move is part of broader efforts to address security concerns posed by the tunnel infrastructure utilized by the militant group.
While certain Biden administration officials view this strategy as a potential means to destroy the tunnels and disrupt Hamas activities, others have raised concerns about the potential impact on Gaza’s fresh water supply, the Wall Street Journal reported.
The conflicting viewpoints within the administration highlight the complex nature of addressing security threats while mitigating potential humanitarian consequences.
As of now, the Israeli military has not officially commented on the reported seawater pumping operation. Requests for comment directed to an Israeli defence ministry spokesperson have also gone unanswered.
The tunnels have long been a point of contention in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with Israel viewing them as a security threat and Hamas utilizing them for various purposes.
The strategic move to introduce seawater into the tunnel complex represents a distinctive approach to counteract the threat posed by these underground passages.
The potential impact on Gaza’s fresh water supply adds a layer of complexity to the situation, raising questions about the broader humanitarian implications of the military operation.
Balancing security concerns with the well-being of the civilian population remains a delicate challenge.
As the situation unfolds, the international community will likely closely monitor developments in the region, with a focus on the effectiveness of the seawater pumping operation in addressing security threats and the measures taken to mitigate any adverse humanitarian consequences.
The delicate balance between security imperatives and humanitarian considerations continues to be a central aspect of discussions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.