As noted The Wall Street Journal citing Israeli and American sources, despite the fact that the war in the Gaza Strip has lasted for more than 100 days, Israel has managed to destroy only 20-40% of the extensive network of tunnels created by Hamas.
The publication’s Israeli interlocutors admit that solving the tunnel problem is the key to both the capture of the Hamas leadership and the release of the remaining Israeli hostages. However, various methods of combating them, including flooding and the use of robots and specially trained dogs, have had only limited success.
The network of tunnels extends over 300 miles. They allow Hamas to equip safe weapons depots and resting places for militants, and to transfer forces. Command posts are also located underground.
The publication quotes Israeli negotiator Gershon Baskin as expressing surprise at how little Israel knew about what was happening in Gaza, essentially in Israel’s backyard.
WSJ notes that Israeli commandos were preparing to destroy the tunnels, not clear them. In addition, the goals of the operation – the destruction of Hamas and the release of hostages – often conflict with each other. According to Israeli sources, terrorist leader Yahya Sinouar is using hostages as human shields.
2024-01-28 08:48:45
#WSJ #Hamas #retains #tunnels
