Hamas Tunnels Photo: rfi
According to mako, over nine months of intensive operations in the Gaza Strip, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have achieved significant success in reducing the number of medium- and long-range rocket launches by Hamas and destroying a substantial portion of Kornet installations. However, according to the latest IDF assessments, the Hamas tunnel network remains at a high level of readiness.
The IDF reported that Hamas tunnels in central refugee camps, most of Rafah, and Shuja’iyya maintain their effectiveness. Many tunnels damaged during combat in Khan Younis have been restored, along with concrete factories producing components for new tunnels. In Rafah, the tunnels remain at a high level of readiness, allowing close proximity to the border fence.
In the Philadelphi Corridor, several tunnels have been destroyed, but new routes have been discovered. In Gaza City, tunnel readiness remains medium to high, also allowing proximity to the border fence. In central refugee camps, tunnels are ready for both underground and overground raids.
This means that even if the fighting stops now, Hamas still has the capability to organize raids near the border and possibly beyond, although not on the same scale as on October 7th. Meanwhile, the IDF continues its efforts to destroy the tunnels, including approach tunnels. Local council leaders, familiar with the army’s assessments, are very concerned about the potential halt of these efforts and demand that the work continues until the tunnels are completely destroyed.
The IDF noted that despite the achievements, if a deal is reached, it would be appropriate to stop the fighting to facilitate the return of hostages. All the information provided here has been approved for publication by military censorship.
