Tensions running high on Israel-Gaza border
The Israeli army (IDF) has uncovered a tunnel into Israel built by the Islamist Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip. The army said it was 28 feet deep and they were trying to determine whether it was a new tunnel or had been built two years ago during the 2014 war with Israel. It was the second tunnel discovered in the past month, and raised concerns in Israel that Hamas is preparing for another war over the summer.
Meanwhile, the IDF also announced it has captured a Hamas operative who revealed detailed information about the Hamas tunnel network.
“We stay committed to safeguarding the people of southern Israel while Hamas is committed to violence and terror,” Israeli army spokesman Peter Lerner told The Media Line. “No one should be living in fear of being attacked in their home by terrorists infiltrating from underground. The IDF is determined to maintain the safety and stability of the area and will continue to use all means necessary to target Hamas’ terror activities.”
After the tunnel was uncovered, Palestinians fired mortars at Israeli soldiers across the border, which the army said was the tenth incident in the past two days. On Wednesday, there was an exchange of fire across the Gaza border that some described as the most serious flare-up in tensions since a cease-fire ended the 2014 fighting after 50 days. Lerner said Hamas gunmen opened fire on Israeli soldiers who were operating within 100 yards of the Gaza border, and that Israel responded with air strikes on Hamas positions overnight.
Lerner added that the Israeli army activity was “routine” and did not violate the terms of the Egyptian-brokered cease-fire. Hamas did not confirm it was behind the shelling. However, Hamas official Mousa Abu Marzouk posted a statement on his Facebook page that Egypt had intervened to reestablish the cease-fire between Israel and Hamas.
“What occurred on Gaza’s eastern borders was an Israeli attempt to impose a new fait accompli on the borders, in an area extending 150 meters deep,” Abu Marzouk wrote. “This forced our resistance fighters to confront them in order to prevent the Israeli army from settling or taking any measures on the ground,” he said.
However, Israeli military officials said the mortar fire from Gaza continued even after this statement.
The Facebook page seemed designed to show that Hamas is not interested in renewed conflict with Israel. In 2014, more than 2,100 Palestinians, many of them civilians, were killed in the fighting with Israel, amid widespread destruction caused by a heavy Israeli air campaign on Gaza. Sixty-seven Israeli soldiers and six civilians were also killed by rocket attacks.
The war also decimated Gaza’s economy. According to the World Bank, unemployment in Gaza is about 43 percent, and among youth it hovers around 60 percent. Some also blame Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip, which Israel says is meant to ensure that material for rockets cannot enter the Strip.
“Gaza’s unemployment and poverty figures are very troubling and the economic outlook is worrying. The current market in Gaza is not able to offer jobs leaving a large population in despair, particularly the youth,” said Steen Lau Jorgensen, World Bank Country Director for the West Bank and Gaza in a recent World Bank report. “The ongoing blockade and the 2014 war have taken a toll on Gaza’s economy and people’s livelihoods. Gaza’s exports virtually disappeared and the manufacturing sector has shrunk by as much as 60 percent. The economy cannot survive without being connected to the outside world.”
On the one hand, provoking a conflict with Israel could serve to unify Gaza’s population of 1.8 million. But most Israeli experts say that while Hamas wants to flex its muscles, it is not interested in a new conflict with Israel.
“Hamas wants to show they are not afraid of Israel,” Ronni Shaked, an expert on the Palestinians at the Truman Institute at Hebrew University, and a former intelligence official, told The Media Line, speaking about the events of the past few days. “On the other hand, they are going to Egypt and asking them to talk to Israel and calm the situation. They don’t want a war and they are afraid of a new war with Israel.”
At the same time, he warned that the situation could spiral out of control, especially if women or children are killed in any Israeli air strikes. Israel and Hamas last fought wars in 2012 and 2014. Some in both Israel and Gaza say that 2016 could be the date of the next clash between them even though neither side is interested in future conflict.
The tunnel operative intercepted by the IDF was armed with two knives and comes from the Jabalya refugee camp. During interrogation the man confessed to planning an attack and having knowledge of the tunnel system. Mahmoud Atuna, 29, a member of Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades (Hamas’ military wing), had previously planted explosive devices targeting IDF soldiers.
He was mainly involved in the construction of the Hamas tunnel network. Atuna conveyed detailed information about the route of tunnels the northern Gaza Strip, Hamas construction methods, and how Hamas utilized private homes and public institutions to hide the tunnels.
The Hamas operative pin-pointed several digging locations as well as tunnel shafts intended to be used by Hamas operatives of the “Nakba” unit to carry out attacks in Israel. He also elaborated on the vast tunnel network Hamas has built within the Gaza Strip for the transportation of terror operatives and weaponry. He added that the tunnel network includes resting areas, showers, and dining areas for the benefit of the operatives underground.
In addition, Atuna provided the names of his former colleagues and information regarding weapons’ storage within private residences, including in his own home. These weapons included explosive devices, riffles, and explosive belts.
Indictment against Atuna has been filed with the regional court in Beer Sheva.