The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have uncovered and destroyed one of Gaza’s most complex underground Hamas networks, spanning over 7 kilometers and 25 meters deep, located beneath civilian sites in Rafah. This massive infrastructure, revealed in a video shared by the IDF on November 20, showcases the extensive and sophisticated nature of Hamas’s underground operations. The tunnel system includes approximately 80 rooms and is believed to have served as a command center, weapon storage facility, and shelter for Hamas operatives. Its location beneath the surface raises concerns about the security of civilian areas, as it runs through sensitive sites such as a UNRWA compound and schools.
Professor Kobi Michael, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies, highlighted the strategic importance of such root tunnels, stating they are the backbone of Hamas’s underground warfare system. These tunnels not only serve as command and control centers but also function as logistical hubs for the production and storage of weapons. Michael noted that the destruction of this particular tunnel, along with other similar structures, could significantly weaken Hamas’s operational capabilities, pushing the group to the brink of collapse. He emphasized that the scale of this tunnel, in terms of length, depth, and complexity, makes it one of the most significant discoveries to date.
The IDF’s operations in Gaza continue to focus on dismantling Hamas’s underground infrastructure, which has been linked to various military and humanitarian activities. In the past, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his determination to destroy such tunnels, stating that he would do so