In a recent development, the Israeli military provided journalists with a glimpse into the intricate tunnel network beneath southern Gaza. This rare access, granted on September 13, 2024, shed light on the underground infrastructure that has played a significant role in the ongoing conflict.
The tour included a view of the entrance to a tunnel in the Tel al-Sultan area of Rafah, where the remains of six Israeli hostages were recovered on September 1, 2024. Daniel Hagari, an Israeli military spokesperson, described the area as "a complete maze of tunnels," emphasizing the challenges faced in hostage recovery efforts.
"We need to do everything we can, by all means, to bring them back home."
The military reported that the hostages were killed on August 29, 2024, with their bodies retrieved approximately two days later. This tunnel is part of a larger network that Israeli forces claim to have uncovered in the Rafah region, near the Egyptian border. Over the past few months, troops have reportedly discovered about 13 kilometers of underground passages.
The Gaza Strip, one of the world's most densely populated areas, has long been associated with underground networks. These tunnels, comparable to the Cu Chi tunnels used during the Vietnam War, have served various purposes, including smuggling goods and weapons, particularly since the blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt in 2007.
Journalists were also shown a wide tunnel capable of accommodating a truck, leading towards Egypt but blocked on the Egyptian side. This revelation highlights the complexity of border control in the region, with the Philadelphi Corridor – a narrow strip along the Gaza-Egypt border – being a focal point of security concerns.
The conflict's impact on Gaza's infrastructure was starkly evident. While much of the enclave lies in ruins, the roadway along the border area appeared freshly paved, creating a stark contrast to the surrounding destruction.
This guided tour comes amidst a broader context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has roots dating back to the early 20th century. The recent escalation began on October 7, 2023, when a Hamas-led attack resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli casualties and over 250 hostages taken. In response, Israel launched a military campaign that has led to widespread destruction in Gaza.
The ongoing crisis has exacerbated existing issues in the Gaza Strip, including a severe water crisis with over 95% of water unfit for human consumption. The majority of Gaza's 2.3 million residents, many of whom are registered refugees or their descendants, have been displaced by the current conflict.
As the situation unfolds, the international community, including the United Nations, continues to call for a ceasefire. The complex network of tunnels discovered by Israeli forces underscores the multifaceted nature of the conflict and the challenges in achieving a lasting resolution.