The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have recently uncovered one of the most extensive and sophisticated tunnel systems operated by Hamas in the southern Gaza Strip. This massive underground complex stretches over 7 kilometers in length, descends approximately 25 meters below the surface, and includes around 80 rooms. The tunnel was discovered in the Rafah area, beneath densely populated residential neighborhoods and sensitive civilian sites such as a United Nations relief compound, mosques, clinics, kindergartens, and schools.

This tunnel network has served multiple strategic uses by Hamas. It was a military hub that facilitated extended stays by fighters, storage of weapons, and planning of attacks against Israeli forces. Among the rooms found in the tunnel were command centers used by senior Hamas operatives, including the late commander of the Rafah Brigade, Muhammad Shabana. The tunnel also has a deeply significant historical connection—it was where Hamas held the body of Israeli Lieutenant Hadar Goldin after he was killed during a 2014 conflict. His remains were returned to Israel recently, ending an 11-year period of uncertainty and complex negotiations.

The discovery was made by elite IDF units, including the Yahalom combat engineering unit and Shayetet 13 naval commandos, underscoring the tunnel’s strategic complexity. It highlights the extensive underground infrastructure Hamas has built to maintain operational capabilities in an environment heavily monitored by Israeli forces. The tunnels location beneath civilian areas also paints a stark picture of the challenges and risks faced by civilians in Gaza, caught in the proximity of military operations.

This revelation sheds light on the ongoing conflict dynamics in Gaza, where underground tunnels remain a critical tactical asset for Hamas, enabling them to move militants, weapons, and equipment covertly. The discovery not only provides a tactical advantage to Israeli forces but also serves as a reminder of the protracted and deeply entrenched nature of the Israel-Hamas conflict that continues to shape the region. The 7 km long, 25 meters deep tunnel with its 80 rooms is a striking example of the underground warfare dimension in Gaza, reflecting both the operational ingenuity of Hamas and the persistent efforts of the IDF to counteract these networks.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.