On Wednesday, December 20, the Israeli army announced that Israeli forces had discovered a network of tunnels deep in central Gaza City, specifically in homes registered to Yahya Sinwar and other Hamas members who organized the October 7 attack on Israel. Peter Lerner, a spokesperson for the army, told reporters that these tunnels were found as the area of downtown was secured by soldiers. Images shared by the army with reporters show that the tunnels, accessible via spiral staircases and elevators down to 20 meters underground, were equipped with electricity, plumbing, surveillance cameras, and blast-proof doors. Lerner stated, 'This network, both above and below ground, was the center of power for the military and political branches of Hamas.' Reuters has been unable to independently verify this information. The army stated that the tunnels were used by senior Hamas officials including Yahya Sinwar, Ismail Haniyeh, and Mohammed Deif to direct operations and daily movements under protection in Gaza City. Israel has accused Hamas of placing tunnels and other military infrastructure among civilians, whom they use as human shields. Hamas denies these allegations. Sinwar and Deif are referred to as the masterminds behind the October 7 attacks on Israel that killed 1,200 people and led to the Israeli assault on Gaza. Israel's main objective is to destroy Hamas and rescue over 130 individuals who are still held hostage by Hamas. Hamas boasts about its tunnel network, which spans hundreds of kilometers, with some tunnels reaching depths of 80 meters; one released hostage described it as resembling a 'spider web.' Earlier this week, Israel announced the discovery of an unusually large concrete tunnel designed for transporting Hamas fighters' supplies from Gaza to the border. Israel has discovered 'the largest Hamas tunnel' in Gaza. The Israeli army claims to have found 'weapons and tunnels' in Yahya Sinwar's recreational home. An American official stated: 'Yahya Sinwar's days are numbered.' Water in Hamas shelters; Israel has begun pumping seawater into Hamas tunnels in Gaza. Israel has discovered 800 entrances to Hamas tunnels beneath Gaza.
Israeli Army Discovers Equipped Tunnels in Homes of Hamas Officials in Gaza City
The Israeli army has uncovered a network of tunnels in Gaza City linked to Hamas officials, including Yahya Sinwar, who orchestrated the October 7 attack on Israel. This discovery highlights Israel's ongoing military efforts to dismantle Hamas's infrastructure and rescue hostages. The situation underscores the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the humanitarian implications for civilians in Gaza.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The Israeli army discovered a network of tunnels in Gaza City used by Hamas officials for military operations. These tunnels were equipped with advanced infrastructure and were found in homes of key Hamas leaders.
- Tunnels were found in homes of Hamas leaders like Yahya Sinwar.
- The tunnels were equipped with electricity, plumbing, and surveillance.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Hamas has long used tunnels for military operations and smuggling, complicating Israeli military efforts and affecting civilian safety in Gaza.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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