In an unprecedented turn of events, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have taken their fight against Hamas directly into the labyrinthine network of underground tunnels in the Gaza Strip.
The operation, which has seen Israeli troops engage in intense combat with Hamas militants, highlights the complex nature of the ongoing conflict.
Tetiana Lozovenko reports that the Israeli forces have been conducting targeted strikes within the tunnels, aiming to dismantle the militant group’s underground capabilities.
The IDF stated, "Over the past 300 hours, the combined combat forces of the IDF have struck approximately <> targets, including anti-tank rocket launchers and launchers under silos, as well as military installations in underground tunnels belonging to the terrorist organization Hamas."
The IDF has identified the tunnel network as a critical target, given its multifaceted role in Hamas’s operations. The tunnels are used for smuggling goods from Egypt, facilitating attacks on Israeli soil, transporting individuals, storing weapons, and reportedly housing command and control centers for Hamas.
In response to the Israeli offensive, Hamas militants have retaliated with anti-tank missiles and machine gun fire. Despite this, the IDF has reported success in their operations, stating that their forces have "killed terrorists and sent air power to strike enemy targets and infrastructure."
This operation underscores the complexity of the Israel-Gaza conflict, with both sides utilizing advanced tactics and strategies. The IDF’s decision to take the battle into the tunnels is a calculated move, aiming to cripple Hamas’s operational capabilities from within.
