Despite its military prowess, Israel faces a formidable challenge in neutralizing the extensive network of tunnels under Gaza, a stronghold of Hamas. This underground maze, larger than the London Underground, offers Hamas a safe haven from the prying eyes of satellites, drones and military forces.
Initially dug in the early 1980s for illicit trade and arms smuggling, the tunnel network has evolved into a complex system for both defensive and offensive purposes. It houses weapons storage, logistical supplies and command centers, while allowing small-scale offensive actions and the taking of hostages across the Israeli border.
Since taking control of Gaza in 2006, Hamas has significantly improved the network, taking advantage of the region's soft sandstone favorable for tunneling. Despite Israel's attempts to demolish it, the network has been fortified with reinforced concrete and dug deeper, making it more difficult to target and destroy.
The challenge for Israel is to locate and destroy the tunnels. Techniques such as the use of colored smoke have been used to track access points, but urban terrain makes detection difficult. Although explosives can destroy sections of the network, they can be easily cleaned and rebuilt. Sealing all access points only provides temporary relief and potentially provides greater protection for undergrounds.
Israel has recently suggested flooding the tunnels with seawater, but this approach has limitations. Uneven levels in the tunnels, porous sandstone soils and the risk of contaminating Gaza's freshwater underground aquifers with salt water pose significant challenges. Also, the flooding could endanger the hostages held inside the tunnels.
Despite the military imbalance, Hamas's extensive network of tunnels provides a significant asymmetric advantage. Israel is unlikely to conquer this underground labyrinth anytime soon, underscoring the reality that military superiority does not always translate into battlefield success. The enduring network of tunnels serves as a reminder of the complex and unresolved nature of the conflict.
the mail Israel's Tunnel Challenge: Hamas' Underground Fortress in Gaza appeared first NewsGPT.ai.
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