Israel Discovers Largest Tunnel Since Clashes with Hamas... "Right at the Southern Border"

Length 4km, Width 3m... Vehicle Access Possible
"Dug for Israel's Surprise Invasion"

The Israeli military announced that it has discovered the largest tunnel to date following clashes with the Palestinian armed group Hamas. The tunnel, connected to the southern border area of Israel, is reportedly large enough for vehicles to pass through. The Israeli military believes that this tunnel was used during Hamas's surprise attack on Israel last October.

[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

According to the Times of Israel on the 17th (local time), the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) revealed that they discovered a large underground tunnel approximately 4 km long near a border checkpoint leading into the Gaza Strip. The Israeli military explained that this is the largest tunnel found since the ground conflict with Hamas began.

The tunnel was found in Beit Hanoun in the northern Gaza Strip and was located near the border checkpoint with Israel. According to the Israeli military, the tunnel's interior is lined with steel circular structures, and its width is about 3 meters, allowing not only motorcycles but also vehicles to move through it. The tunnel, which reaches a maximum depth of 50 meters underground, is equipped with communication and power facilities, air conditioning, and sewage treatment systems, making it suitable for prolonged use.

The Israeli military stated, "The existence of the tunnel was confirmed after witnessing terrorists emerging near the fence 200 to 400 meters from the border checkpoint," adding, "Before that, even the intelligence units of the Southern Command were unaware of the tunnel's existence." The Israeli military claims that the tunnel was constructed for use during Hamas's surprise invasion of the southern border area of Israel last October.

According to the Israeli military, the tunnel was built by Muhammad Shinwar, the brother of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and the commander of the Khan Yunis area, and footage was found showing him driving a car inside the tunnel. Other videos reportedly show Hamas using special equipment such as boring machines for tunnel construction, the Israeli military said.

The Israeli military estimates that Hamas invested at least several million dollars in building the tunnel and suspects that there are more tunnels within the Gaza Strip, continuing their search efforts. The Israeli military stated that they plan to destroy the tunnel soon.

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