In a report by Ha’aretz, earlier this year the IDF, estimated that its operations since 2023 had only succeeded in destroying about one quarter of the entire tunnel network.
By IDF Club Staff
Israel is preparing for a large-scale operation to demolish all of the remaining terror tunnels in the Gaza Strip following the return of hostages this week, the country’s defense chief announced over the weekend.
On Sunday morning, Defense Minister Israel Katz (Likud) took to social media to announce that he has ordered the IDF to prepare for the mass demolition of Hamas tunnels across the entire Gaza Strip.
Katz acknowledged that the operation constituted a “great challenge,” but added that the demolition would be aided by an “international mechanism” established by the US under the terms of the ceasefire agreement.
“The great challenge for Israel after the phase of returning the hostages will be the destruction of all of Hamas’s terror tunnels in Gaza — directly by the IDF and through the international mechanism that will be established under US leadership and supervision,” Katz wrote on X.
“That is the primary meaning of implementing the agreed principle of demilitarizing Gaza and neutralizing Hamas’s weapons. I have instructed the IDF to prepare to carry out the mission.”
No definitive data exists regarding the extent of Hamas’ remaining tunnel system, but according to a report by Ha’aretz, earlier this year the IDF estimated that its operations since 2023 had only succeeded in destroying about one quarter of the entire tunnel network, leaving hundreds of miles of tunnels and likely over 1,000 tunnel shafts still intact.
Estimates of Hamas’ total, pre-war tunnel network have risen during the Gaza war, with early assessments placed at roughly 250 miles, while more recent estimates suggest Hamas built as much as 450 miles of underground infrastructure.
