The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) declared on Thursday that it had successfully demolished a substantial tunnel network operated by Hamas beneath Palestine Square in Gaza City.
The operation targeted vital infrastructure used by senior Hamas officials, including during the recent October 7 onslaught on southern Israel.
According to the IDF, the underground network served as a concealed refuge for Hamas’s top leadership, providing a secure passage connecting their residences, offices, and hideout apartments.
Among those known to have utilized the tunnel network were Muhammad Deif, the elusive leader of Hamas’s military wing, and Yahya Sinwar, the top Hamas official in Gaza.
The military revealed that intelligence gathered from recent scans inside the tunnels played a crucial role in identifying and neutralizing this strategic infrastructure.
The elite Yahalom combat engineering unit executed the operation in conjunction with the 401st Armored Brigade.
On Tuesday, the IDF opened the doors to the media, offering a tour of Palestine Square and showcasing the entrances to the now-destroyed tunnels.
The move served as a demonstration of the military’s commitment to transparency and a means to underscore the significance of the operation.
The destruction of this tunnel network marks a notable blow to Hamas’s operational capabilities and strategic infrastructure.
By targeting key leaders and their hideouts, the IDF aims to disrupt the terror group’s ability to plan and execute attacks effectively.
The announcement comes amidst heightened tensions in the region, with Israel and Hamas engaged in a protracted conflict.
The targeting of crucial infrastructure beneath Gaza City signals Israel’s determination to neutralize the threat posed by Hamas and protect its citizens from further attacks.
As the situation unfolds, the international community will likely closely monitor the aftermath of this operation and its potential impact on the dynamics of the ongoing conflict.
The IDF’s success in uncovering and demolishing this major tunnel network underscores the challenges and complexities involved in the longstanding and deeply entrenched Israel-Hamas conflict.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members