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An Intricate Network of Hamas Tunnels Complicates Prospects for Israeli Ground Incursion in Gaza Strip

by Sophia Chen
8 comments
Hamas Tunnels in Gaza

As the Israeli military contemplates its most intense ground operation yet in the Gaza Strip amid ongoing conflict with Hamas, the greatest hazards await not just Israeli soldiers but also the 2.3 million Palestinian civilians inhabiting the coastal territory. These risks lie predominantly underground.

The Gaza Strip is riddled with an elaborate system of subterranean tunnels constructed by Hamas. These passageways serve multiple purposes: they conceal combatants, house an array of rocket weaponry, and hold more than 200 hostages taken during a significant attack on Israel on October 7.

Neutralizing this underground maze is critical for Israel in its objective to weaken or eliminate Hamas’ operational capabilities. However, the high-density residential surroundings and the complex subterranean landscape could negate some of the technological advantages possessed by the Israeli military, thereby benefitting Hamas both on the surface and underground.

John Spencer, a retired U.S. Army Major and the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point, likened the challenge to walking through an area full of unforeseen threats. Urban defenders, he commented, have the advantage of choosing the place and time of engagement, enabling them to remain hidden while observing enemy movements.

In a recent operation, the Israeli Air Force targeted 150 underground facilities in northern Gaza, which they identified as combat zones and various other types of underground infrastructure. This intensified campaign appears to be Israel’s most aggressive targeting of Hamas tunnels to date.

Historical Context of Tunnel Warfare

Tunnels have long been a fixture in military strategy, as demonstrated from the Roman era to recent conflicts involving Ukrainian fighters resisting Russian advances in Mariupol in 2022. Tunnels provide an environment conducive to ambushes and render military operations exceedingly difficult for invading forces.

In Gaza, the Hamas tunnel system, referred to by Israel as the “Metro,” expanded following the 2007 blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt. Despite the cessation of most tunnels leading to Egypt, Hamas is thought to have developed an expansive underground network throughout Gaza, beyond the reach of Israeli aerial surveillance.

Hamas political leader Yehiyeh Sinwar claimed in 2021 that the network spans 500 kilometers, a notable figure given the Gaza Strip’s relatively small size. This illustrates the monumental challenge facing Israel, which has been aware of the underground threat since at least the early 2000s.

Strategies and Implications

To deal with this underground threat, the Israeli military has employed various strategies, from aerial bombardments to specialized units tasked with locating and disabling these tunnels. Yet the complete neutralization of Hamas would necessitate a meticulous and dangerous ground operation.

The presence of hostages within the tunnels adds another layer of complexity, requiring a slow and calculated approach. A hasty or imprecise operation risks not only the lives of soldiers but also those of the hostages. According to security experts at the Soufan Center, this hostage situation will likely complicate Israel’s military objectives significantly.

Daphné Richemond-Barak, a professor specializing in underground warfare at Israel’s Reichman University, warned of the challenging and treacherous conditions Israeli soldiers would face in tunnel combat. Communication difficulties and the risk of triggering explosive traps further heighten the dangers, she said.

Despite these manifold risks, Richemond-Barak emphasized that the tunnels must be eradicated to fulfill Israel’s military goals. “There’s a task at hand that needs to be accomplished, and the time for that is now,” she concluded.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hamas Tunnels in Gaza Strip

What is the primary focus of the article?

The article primarily discusses the complexities and challenges that the Israeli military faces due to an extensive network of tunnels in the Gaza Strip, built by Hamas. These tunnels pose significant risks to both the Israeli forces and the Palestinian civilian population.

Who constructed the tunnels in the Gaza Strip?

The tunnels in the Gaza Strip have been constructed by Hamas, the Palestinian militant group. They serve various purposes, including hiding militants, storing weapons, and holding hostages.

What are the complications for Israel in dealing with these tunnels?

The complications for Israel include the risk of neutralizing these underground networks without harming the 2.3 million Palestinian civilians in the region. The tunnels negate some of the technological advantages that the Israeli military has, and their presence complicates ground operations. Additionally, the tunnels are being used to hold hostages, adding another layer of complexity to any military intervention.

What historical context does the article provide about tunnel warfare?

The article points out that tunnel warfare is not a new phenomenon. It has been a part of military strategies from the time of the Roman Empire to more recent conflicts such as the resistance of Ukrainian fighters against Russian forces in Mariupol in 2022.

How has Hamas utilized these tunnels?

Hamas has used these tunnels to hide militants, store an array of rocket weaponry, and keep hostages. The tunnel network also allows for the transport of weapons, supplies, and fighters, effectively evading Israeli aerial surveillance.

What strategies has Israel employed to deal with the tunnels?

Israel has used a combination of aerial bombardments and specialized ground units to locate and disable these tunnels. They have also used technology, such as remote-controlled robots, to assist in these operations. Despite these efforts, fully neutralizing the tunnel network would require an intensive and dangerous ground operation.

What additional challenges are presented by hostages in the tunnels?

The presence of hostages within these tunnels adds a significant layer of complexity to any military operation aimed at neutralizing them. A hasty or imprecise operation could endanger the lives of both soldiers and hostages, requiring a slow and calculated approach for success.

What are the implications for the Israeli military’s technological advantages?

The intricate underground network can potentially negate some of the technological advantages that the Israeli military possesses, especially when it comes to ground operations. The tunnels create an environment conducive to ambushes and offer Hamas the opportunity to control the time and place of engagements.

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8 comments

Optimist October 28, 2023 - 3:18 pm

It’s a tough situation, but tunnels gotta go for peace. Israel can do it right!

Reply
MilitaryInsight October 28, 2023 - 3:43 pm

Hamas makin’ tunnels ain’t new, happens thru history. Tunnels = bad news for armies.

Reply
StrategicMind October 29, 2023 - 1:27 am

Isreal’s tech not so useful underground. Hamas has da upper hand in tunnels.

Reply
Reader123 October 29, 2023 - 3:02 am

dis article talks about da tricky tunnels Hamas build. Israel gotta be super careful wit those tunnels.

Reply
GazaObserver October 29, 2023 - 4:00 am

Tunnels tricky 2 navigate. Hostages make it even harder. Israel’s got a tough job.

Reply
PeaceSeeker October 29, 2023 - 4:20 am

Tunnels puttin’ civilians at risk. Hamas usin’ hostages = big problem.

Reply
HumanRightsAdvocate October 29, 2023 - 10:23 am

Hostages in tunnels? Very risky. Israel must b careful not to harm civilians.

Reply
JournalistExpert October 29, 2023 - 11:56 am

Tunnels r major prob in Gaza. Israeli army needs 2 b smart dealin’ wit Hamas tunnels.

Reply

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