Rewritten Article:
Gaza Tunnel Chaos: Israel's Destruction Spree
Israel's military has gone on a demolition spree in the Gaza Strip, annihilating around 400 tunnel shafts since the commencement of the recent conflict on October 7. The Islamic militant group Hamas, a powerful figure in Gaza, has faced the brunt of these attacks, as many of the destroyed tunnels were secretly nestled beneath civilian establishments like hospitals, schools, and homes, as reported on Wednesday by the Israeli army.
The Gaza Strip, an area measuring approximately 45 kilometers in length and six to 14 kilometers in width, is home to an estimated population of more than two million individuals. Up until now, little was known about the existence of a network of underground tunnels beneath the soil of Gaza, but recent events have exposed a dramatic shift in this once-hidden reality.
The Impact of Tunnels on Daily Life in Gaza
Some of these tunnels are wide enough to accommodate vehicles, while others are outfitted with electricity and concrete structures. On average, these tunnels measure around two meters in height and one meter in width, with some stretching as deep as several dozen meters beneath the ground to withstand Israeli air strikes. Many of these hidden entrance points are located within residential properties or mosques.
A particularly devastating instance of tunnel destruction occurred at the Shifa Hospital, the region's largest medical facility, where an entrance to a Hamas-operated tunnel was discovered. The tunnel stretched an estimated 55 meters deep with a 10-meter length.
Hamas, a radical Islamist organization, has held control over the coastal Gaza region since 2007. Their ultimate goal is the destruction of the state of Israel.
Middle Eastern Conflicts and Tunnels
The use of underground tunnels cunningly hidden beneath civilian structures has become increasingly common during conflicts in the Middle East. Israel recently unearthed a Hamas tunnel that stretched beneath the Shifa Hospital in Gaza, one of the most significant healthcare facilities in the area. These clandestine tunnels, some of which can accommodate vehicles, have become a topic of contention, often located near crucial civilian institutions like hospitals and schools.
Because these tunnels provide Hamas militants with the necessary cover to launch attacks on Israeli forces undetected, Israel views their destruction as a critical step in ensuring the safety of its citizens. The tunnels are often utilized for the storage of explosives, the launching of attacks, or as safe havens for militants.
The Collateral Damage of Operation Defenseless Sky
However, the destruction of these tunnels has resulted in immense collateral damage to surrounding civilian structures. Homes, schools, hospitals, and even cemeteries are frequently targeted as a result of this military operation, bringing tragic consequences to innocent individuals and families.
According to reports, an estimated 60,000 structures have been destroyed in the ongoing conflict, with more than 20,000 sustaining severe damage. Additionally, the number of civilian casualties has soared as a result, with the vast majority of fatalities—estimated to be at least 80%—being innocent bystanders. Women, children, and the elderly are the most severely affected by these tragic events, leaving entire communities devastated and families mourning their loved ones.
In conclusion, Israel's destruction of tunnels in Gaza is a strategic military operation intended to disrupt Hamas' operational capabilities. Although the short-term gains for Israeli security are apparent, the humanitarian consequences and the destruction of civilians' livelihoods are devastating. The use of underground tunnels beneath civilian establishments has become particularly contentious in the Middle East, as Israeli forces continue to engage Hamas militants in this shadow war.
