Israel has apparently destroyed the underground tunnel network that was used by Hamas to plot the surprise attack on October 7. The Jewish state has characterized the underground system as a “subterranean terror city,” according to the Telegraph.
The terrorist network was discovered underneath Palestine Square by the IDF. The network reportedly contained a number of long tunnels that attached hiding places and offices of Hamas leaders. The development comes after Israel had considered flooding the underground tunnels, making them unusable in the future.
The IDF released footage on Thursday, revealing a number of explosions that ultimately destroyed the underground network. Earlier in the week, Israel confirmed that it had gained control of Hamas’ innermost quarter in Gaza City, where many of the top officials operated.
The Telegraph reported that the complex could be described as a “centre of power for Hamas’ military and political wing.” The IDF went on to say that around 600 Hamas terrorists were killed in the operation, but this figure has not been confirmed.
The report noted that the IDF released a statement, saying that “Palestine Square was a centre of Hamas’s military rule and is surrounded by buildings that served as command and control centres, terror tunnel shafts and strategic buildings belonging to the organisation.”
The IDF went on to suggest that the underground network was used by Mohammed Deif, Yahya Sinwar, and other Hamas leaders to plot the attacks on October 7, which ultimately resulted in the slaughter of 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of 240 more.
The war between Israel and Hamas came to a brief halt in late November, when both sides agreed to a ceasefire for the purpose of swapping hostages. But the temporary truce only lasted about a week before Israel carried out more attacks, claiming that Hamas had not held up its side of the bargain.
However, Israel is reportedly trying to renew efforts for another hostage release. It is believed that Hamas still has 129 Israeli hostages being held captive in Gaza.
Israel reportedly has reservations about extending a lasting truce to Hamas, but the Jewish state has entertained the possibility of agreeing to a two-week ceasefire. However, the two sides have continued to attack each other amid the truce talks.
The Times of Israel reported that Hamas said a “total ceasefire and a retreat of the Israeli occupation army from the Gaza Strip are a precondition for any serious negotiation.”
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said “[w]e are fighting until victory. We will not stop the war until we achieve all its goals — completing the destruction of Hamas, and releasing all of our hostages.”
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