IDF Discovers Hidden Structures in Gaza’s Northern Region

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have uncovered an extensive Hamas tunnel network in Northern Gaza, raising significant security concerns and operational challenges.

At a Glance

The Israeli military discovered a large tunnel shaft near the Erez crossing and an Israeli base.
The tunnel is over four kilometers long and connects to a larger tunnel network in Gaza.
The tunnel facilitated the transit of vehicles, militants, and supplies for the October 7 attack by Hamas.
The attack led to a war that resulted in over 18,000 deaths in Gaza.

Discovery of the Tunnel Network

The IDF uncovered a significant Hamas tunnel network near the Erez crossing in Northern Gaza. This tunnel, which is more than four kilometers long and wide enough for cars, connects to a complex web of underground routes used by militants. The tunnels are equipped with ventilation systems, electricity, and other infrastructure, showcasing their extensive planning and resources invested.

An IDF unit known as “Yahalom” has been actively excavating and clearing these tunnels, finding weapons and other materials. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari described this tunnel as the largest ever uncovered in Gaza. The network includes numerous branches, junctions, and entry points, complicating efforts to neutralize it.

This discovery comes after militants used the tunnels for their attack on October 7, breaching the wall near the Erez crossing, attacking an Israeli military base, and causing significant casualties and kidnappings. These acts initiated a conflict that has lasted over 10 weeks, resulting in substantial loss of life.

🔴Another terrorist tunnel network in Gaza was discovered passing underneath a hospital and a university by IDF troops—running for over 10km between northern and southern Gaza.

This tunnel network is used by Hamas terrorists to move between different areas in Gaza. pic.twitter.com/3mWOiuMVDC

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) February 26, 2024

Operational Challenges and Intelligence Failure

Despite the IDF’s awareness of Hamas’ tunnel network, the scale and sophistication of the tunnels exposed operational and intelligence failures. Maj. Nir Dinar emphasized the challenge of detecting these tunnels, especially since they did not initially cross into Israeli territory. Feedback from Israeli officials indicates significant improvements are needed in intelligence and surveillance capabilities to prevent such large-scale attacks in the future.

“This was a flagship project that was waiting, finished and ready,” Hagari told a news conference.

During the ground offensive, the IDF gathered considerable information about the tunnel network’s layout and operation. The military’s use of advanced technology and intelligence has been instrumental in uncovering, scanning, and clearing these tunnels of threats. Col. Haim Cohen of the Gaza Division’s Northern Brigade noted that the tunnel’s width suggests it was intended for vehicle-borne raids against civilian communities.

🔴The largest Hamas terrorist tunnel discovered in northern Gaza, which had multiple branches and was dug from northern Gaza and attempted to cross into Israeli territory, was recently destroyed by the IDF.

This tunnel was used by the most senior Hamas officials, including… pic.twitter.com/B9XSfgtXqt

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 5, 2024

Efforts to Dismantle Hamas Infrastructure

Since the conflict began, the IDF has been systematically working to locate and destroy Hamas’ extensive tunnel network. The military has destroyed around 500 of approximately 800 tunnel shafts discovered since their ground offensive began. This ongoing effort aims to disrupt Hamas’ ability to conduct attacks and weaken its operational capabilities.

“As far as I know, this tunnel doesn’t cross from Gaza into Israel and stops within 400 meters from the border, which means the indicators won’t indicate that a tunnel is being built,” Dinar said.

The IDF’s operations have revealed the magnitude of Hamas’ investment in their tunnel infrastructure, estimated to stretch between 350 to 450 miles with over 5,700 entry shafts. This significant network underscores the strategic importance of the IDF’s efforts in targeting and dismantling these tunnels to enhance regional security.