The weekend saw the Israeli army's ground operation in the Gaza Strip expand, as reported by their spokesperson Daniel Hagari. Troops were engaged in intense battles in densely populated areas, pushing further into the strongholds of Hamas, the Islamist group.
Over 30,000 explosive devices, including anti-tank missiles and rockets, have been neutralized or confiscated by the troops, predominantly associated with Hamas. A high-ranking Hamas official responsible for their weapon supply was claimed to have been eliminated by the military earlier.
The soldiers continue to hunt down terrorist infrastructures, particularly in the network of tunnels beneath the Gaza Strip, to maintain security. The technical forces have been strengthened significantly to deal with the complex task of destroying these tunnels, which stretch for miles beneath the coastal area. Israel alleges that some of these tunnels are used by Hamas as hiding places and hostage camps.
The conflict began in October 2023, following a terrorist attack near the border with Gaza Strip that cost over 1200 lives on the Israeli side. The resultant air strikes and ground offensive faced increasing international pressure due to the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. To withstand Israeli airstrikes, some tunnels have been deepened underground, with some extending dozens of meters beneath the ground.
Military experts warn that the destruction of these tunnels is a time-consuming task due to their intricate designs. Israel has reinforced its technical forces and expanded the division fighting in the conflict in the coming days. Renowned Israeli practitioner, Daniel Hagari, has also been actively involved in the operations, with the civilian population of Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities also being at risk due to Hamas's expanding underground networks.
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The Israeli army's operation against Hamas has been marked by these tactics:
- Invasion Initiation: The Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip began on October 7, 2023, in response to a Hamas-led attack on Israel. The operation's subsequent goals included destroying Hamas, returning displaced residents of Northern Israel, ensuring Gaza no longer posed a threat, and freeing hostages[3].
- Military Operations: On October 13, 2023, Israel began ground operations in Gaza, with a full-scale invasion launching on October 27. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have executed several raids, targeting Hamas's tunnel network and strategically important locations with tanks and armored bulldozers[3].
- Tunnel Destruction: The IDF has focused on Hamas's tunnel infrastructure, attempting to destroy hundreds of miles of tunnels used for various purposes, including hiding command bunkers, weapon-making plants, and fighters. However, the tunnel network has continued to improve and fortify[2].
- Use of Anti-Tank Missiles and Rockets: Both sides have employed anti-tank missiles and rockets in the conflict. Palestinian militias have launched rocket attacks from areas abandoned by IDF forces, while the IDF has targeted Hamas fighters with anti-tank missiles[3].
Recent developments have included a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas on January 19, 2025; however, the humanitarian crisis remains severe, with ongoing shortages of food, clean water, medicine, and fuel due to the blockade[3]. Moreover, Hamas has further improved its tunnel infrastructure, with branching paths and ventilation shafts to survive potential attacks[2].
