The Israeli military found the tunnel system under Gaza to be more extensive, deep, and sophisticated than previously thought, with estimates reaching between 350 to 450 miles of tunnels and almost 5,700 separate shafts leading to them.
One tunnel was wide enough for a vehicle, while another extended nearly three football fields and was situated beneath a hospital. A spiral staircase leading to a tunnel around seven stories deep was discovered under a senior Hamas commander's house.
Some machinery used by Hamas to build the tunnels, as captured in videos, surprised the Israeli military.
The Israeli defense officials believe these tunnels serve as military bases, arsenals, and a means to protect its top commanders.
A document showed that in 2022, Hamas allocated $1 million for tunnel doors, underground workshops, and other expenses in Khan Younis alone.
The tunnels serve dual purposes with commander tunnels being deeper and more elaborate than those used by operatives.
Captured documents and lists found by the Israeli military revealed families that "hosted" tunnel entrances in their homes.
The Israeli military said the fight against tunnels being one of the most grueling aspects of the conflict in Gaza.
Israeli soldiers and reservists reported the difficulty of destroying the tunnels, mentioning many were booby-trapped, and described bombs with enough force to cause significant casualties.
Efforts to flood tunnels with seawater as a means of destruction failed, indicating that disabling the entire network could take years.
The US-built pier on the Gaza coast will be removed and repaired following damage caused by rough seas
Palestinian prime minister visits Madrid after Spain recognizes Palestine
Israel reports it has seized control of a strategic section along Gaza’s border with Egypt.
