Title: IDF Destroys Extensive Hamas Tunnel System beneath Palestine Square
By Ronny Reyes
Published: Dec. 21, 2023, 5:29 p.m. ET
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have successfully blown up an extensive Hamas tunnel system hidden beneath Gaza’s Palestine Square. The tunnels, located in the upscale Rimal neighborhood in Gaza City, were used by terrorist leaders to hide during the Oct. 7 attack on Israel.
The IDF released video footage of the massive explosions that demolished the tunnels, revealing a network that once housed Hamas’ top leaders, including Yahya Sinwar and Muhammad Deif. The destruction also exposed the connection between the tunnels and the homes and offices of these leaders, as well as the daughter of Hamas’ top political leader, Ismail Haniyeh. The IDF believes that these leaders were operating in the tunnels beneath Palestine Square during the attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the kidnapping of more than 240 others.
The extensive tunnel system, which included about 20 major entrances, was reportedly equipped with stolen electricity and housed various weapons and equipment for nighttime operations. The destruction of the tunnel was carried out by the IDF’s 401st Armored Brigade and the elite Yahalom combat engineering unit, as part of their efforts to decimate Hamas’ forces in northern Gaza.
The IDF has also confirmed that their ground offensive in the north is nearing its end, with only a handful of Hamas bases remaining. Over the past 24 hours, the IDF has carried out airstrikes against 230 Hamas targets. However, the ongoing conflict has resulted in the displacement of more than 1.8 million Palestinians, with 20% of Gaza’s buildings and infrastructure being damaged or destroyed by Israeli strikes, according to the United Nations.