Deep beneath the southern Gaza city of Rafah, the Israeli Defense Forces have revealed a sprawling, meticulously constructed underground world – a seven-kilometer “root tunnel” representing one of Hamas’s most ambitious and complex infrastructures to date.
The tunnel system, extending roughly 25 meters below the surface, isn’t a simple passageway. It’s a network of approximately 80 rooms, designed for command operations, the secure storage of weaponry, and as a refuge for Hamas operatives. Visuals released by the IDF showcase reinforced concrete corridors and expansive chambers, illustrating the sheer scale and sophistication of this hidden network.
Intelligence suggests the tunnel’s origin lies directly beneath a compound operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), deliberately extending under civilian areas. This strategic placement, according to analysts, was a calculated move to shield the tunnel from Israeli military action.
The discovery carries a particularly poignant weight for Israel, as the IDF believes this network may have been the location where Lieutenant Hadar Goldin, an Israeli soldier abducted during the 2014 Gaza conflict, was held captive. His remains were recently returned to Israel after more than a decade.
Experts describe these “root tunnels” as the central nervous system of Hamas’s underground warfare strategy. They aren’t isolated structures, but rather strategic arteries feeding a multitude of smaller, tactical tunnels used for a range of purposes – from command and control to weapons manufacturing and logistical support.
The scale of the operation is staggering. Analysts estimate the construction of such a tunnel would require millions of Israeli New Shekels, considering the immense amount of building materials, labor, and specialized facilities involved. Hundreds of militants and commanders were likely stationed within this single network.
The demolition of this tunnel is being hailed as a significant strategic victory, potentially weakening Hamas’s ability to wage future attacks. One researcher noted that destroying these tunnels, and others like them, is pushing Hamas “to the edge.”
This discovery isn’t an isolated incident. Israeli military forces have reportedly uncovered approximately 1,500 Hamas tunnels and shafts throughout the Gaza Strip, revealing the extent to which the group has invested in this subterranean infrastructure.
The focus on dismantling these tunnel networks remains a central component of Israel’s ongoing operations in Gaza, a strategy echoing a commitment made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in 2014 to destroy these infiltration routes, “with or without a ceasefire.”
Recent investigations have also revealed that Hamas utilized these tunnels to conceal hostages seized during the October 7th attack on Israel, further highlighting the sinister purpose behind this elaborate underground system.
