Israel’s upcoming ground offensive in the Gaza Strip presents a significant challenge due to Hamas’ extensive tunnel network. Experts warn that Israel will lose its advantage in firepower and must fight on enemy terrain. The densely-populated area with its labyrinth of tunnels poses a major security obstacle for Israel. While the Israel Defense Forces claim to have targeted parts of the tunnel network, it will not be an easy battle.
Hamas’ tunnel network, also known as the “Gaza Metro,” has been a contentious issue. The Israel Defense Forces stated that more than 100 kilometers of the tunnel network were destroyed in 2021, while Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar claimed that only 5% of the 500-kilometer network had been destroyed. Comparatively, Delhi’s entire Metro network is about 392 kilometers in length, highlighting the scale of the underground infrastructure in Gaza.
Israeli forces have faced criticism for targeting civilian buildings, but they argue that Hamas operatives hide in tunnels beneath these structures. Since taking control of Gaza in 2007, Hamas has expanded the tunnel networks within the city and along the Gaza-Israel border. Videos of the tunnels reveal lights and ample space for hiding weapons and ammunition. There have been allegations that humanitarian aid intended for Gaza was diverted to build infrastructure for Hamas.
The recent attacks by Hamas involved a combination of rocket strikes and coordinated land and water assaults. Despite Israel’s fenced border with Gaza and its sensor systems, Hamas operatives managed to launch a surprise attack on civilians without early warning. The tunnels are believed to have played a significant role in the infiltrations, as Hamas crossed into Israel undetected.
Israel’s fenced border, consisting of a 30-foot-high structure with an underground concrete barrier, raises questions about how Hamas operatives could enter undetected. According to Dr. Daphne Richemond-Barak from Reichman University, the cross-border tunnels are rudimentary and lack significant fortification. These tunnels are dug for the purpose of invading Israeli territory. However, the tunnels inside Gaza are more sophisticated and serve as hiding places for leaders, command-and-control centers, and transportation networks.
Before Hamas gained control of Gaza, the tunnel network was primarily used for smuggling. After Israel’s disengagement from Gaza in 2005 and Hamas’ victory in the 2006 polls, restrictions on goods and people were imposed on the borders with Israel and Egypt. Smuggling diminished over time, and Egypt destroyed the tunnels on its border with Gaza. However, the tunnels to Israel expanded and were utilized for more sinister purposes. In 2006, Hamas captured an Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalid, through a cross-border raid using tunnels.
Israeli forces referred to the tunnels as “terror tunnels” and restricted the entry of construction materials into the Gaza Strip. In 2014, the Israel Defense Forces released an illustration showing multiple tunnels along the border.
As Israel prepares for a ground offensive, a major concern is the safe return of the hostages held by Hamas operatives, estimated to be around 150 individuals. According to an Israeli security source, it is likely that the hostages are being kept underground. The objective of the offensive will be to flatten the ground to access the underground bunkers. Israel will employ bunker buster bombs and Merkava tanks, but it will also have to deal with booby traps and Hamas operatives who are familiar with the underground terrain. Dr. Richemond-Barak mentioned the possibility of Hamas letting soldiers enter the tunnel network before detonating it.
Saleh Al-Arouri, deputy chief of Hamas politburo, stated that Hamas had a stronger defense plan than its attack plan before attacking Israel. As Israel faces international pressure to de-escalate the conflict and as the death toll rises, the Gaza tunnels indicate that Israel may face a protracted battle without sufficient time.