IDF Neutralizes Largest Gaza Terror Tunnel Near Erez Crossing

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Tuesday successfully demolished the largest terror tunnel discovered in northern Gaza to date, amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas. This extensive tunnel, approximately 4 kilometers in length, was located near the Erez crossing but remained within Gazan territory. Uncovered in mid-December, its demolition followed weeks of meticulous investigation by the IDF, involving several elite units and the Defense Ministry’s engineering division.

Reaching depths of up to 50 meters and located merely 400 meters from the Erez crossing, a critical point for the passage of workers and patients receiving medical treatment in Israel, the tunnel featured a complex network of branches. It was equipped with infrastructure for sewage, electricity, and communication, as well as defensive mechanisms against entry by the Israeli military. The IDF also discovered a significant cache of Hamas weapons within the tunnel, which was capable of accommodating vehicle movement.

This operation has shed light on the extensive Hamas tunnel network, with intelligence efforts enhancing the IDF’s understanding and mapping of such infrastructure. The IDF has been actively identifying and neutralizing Hamas tunnel projects, marking a critical component of its strategy to undermine the terrorist group’s capabilities. The construction of this now-destroyed tunnel was reportedly spearheaded by a specialized team from Khan Yunis, utilizing advanced digging machinery smuggled into Gaza.

Reports suggest that Hamas has allocated millions for the development of its subterranean network, from which attacks against Israeli forces were launched. The IDF’s recent operation also resulted in the elimination of terrorists detected within the tunnel, further impacting Hamas’ operational abilities.