Israeli Military Reveals Extensive Tunnel Network Used by Hamas
The Israeli military claims to have discovered a “vast tunnel network” beneath Gaza City which included command and control positions, meeting rooms, and hideout apartments for top Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh. Videos released by the military show underground structures with concrete walls, ventilation systems, and blast doors. These tunnels had elevators, stairs, and separate water and electricity shafts, and were stockpiled with enough water, food, weapons, and communication equipment to sustain a lengthy stay.
This complex was said to be a “center of power for the military and political factions of Hamas” and was located under stores, government offices, and civilian apartment buildings in central Gaza City.
The revelation about the extensive tunnel network comes amidst continued fighting in the region, with war cabinet minister Benny Gantz stating that he expects the military activity in Gaza to be reduced soon, and the United Nations Security Council plans to vote on a cease-fire resolution calling for more humanitarian aid in Gaza.
The conflict has taken a heavy toll, with a U.N. report stating that over 575,000 Palestinians in Gaza are facing extreme hunger, and the war taking an unprecedented toll on journalists, resulting in the deadliest year for journalists ever as 68 journalists and media workers have been killed since the war began.
The situation remains complex as Palestinian militants refuse to negotiate further prisoner-hostage swaps until Israeli “aggression” on Gaza ends, and the Israeli opposition leader acknowledges the significant delay in a long-awaited Palestinian state but maintains hope for a two-state solution.
The conflict has also seen disturbing reports, with the U.N. Human Rights Office pressing for an investigation into an alleged Israeli attack that resulted in the killing of at least 11 unarmed Palestinian men in front of their family members in Gaza City.
Against this backdrop, a Michigan neurosurgeon has expressed anguish over his family being trapped in Gaza, and the Israeli government appears to be showing signs of splintering as the war drags on, with national security minister Itamar Ben Gvir threatening to pull his right-wing party out of the ruling coalition.