The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have initiated a strategic operation to flood Hamas' extensive network of tunnels beneath the Gaza Strip, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.
The IDF's counteroffensive aims to eradicate Hamas terrorists, who were responsible for the deaths of over 1,200 Israeli civilians on October 7. Unnamed U.S. officials have revealed that the IDF is currently flooding the tunnel network with seawater, a process that involves multiple pumps siphoning water from the Mediterranean Sea and directing it into various entrance points in the tunnels. This operation is expected to take several weeks to complete.
In addition to the flooding, the IDF is employing various other methods to neutralize the tunnel system, including airstrikes, drones, dogs, robots, and liquid explosives. The IDF has been cautious about sending troops directly into the tunnels due to the challenging nature of fighting in such confined underground spaces, which could potentially be rigged with traps.
The issue at hand is not merely territorial, but rather the fact that Hamas is increasingly relying on underground operations. Amos Yadlin, former Israeli military intelligence chief, emphasized this point, stating, "The problem is Hamas is going underground." Retired Israeli military intelligence colonel Miri Eisin echoed this sentiment, highlighting the ongoing challenge of the subterranean theater.
As the IDF continues to close in on the remaining Hamas strongholds in Gaza, hundreds of terrorists have already surrendered. Israeli general Herzi Halevi confirmed that the IDF is intensifying its operations in Khan Yunis and gaining greater control over the northern region of Gaza.
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