The recent efforts of the Israel Defense Forces focused on dismantling two attack tunnels situated in the Beit Hanoun area within the northern Gaza Strip. This operation, led by the IDF's Gaza Division engineering unit in collaboration with the Engineering Corps of the IDF Southern Command and other units, aimed to eliminate threats posed by these tunnels, which were under constant surveillance using intelligence and technology.
During Operation "Protective Edge" in 2014, one of the tunnels now targeted was initially exposed, revealing its use by Hamas terrorists to infiltrate Israeli territory. Despite its destruction at that time, subsequent investigations revealed a remaining section of the tunnel buried deep within the Gaza Strip, forming a critical part of Hamas' extensive tunnel network. Following the launch of the "Swords of Iron" War after the October 7 Hamas attack, the IDF conducted thorough research and mapping to pinpoint the tunnel's location and subsequently conducted airstrikes to eliminate the threat it posed.
The second tunnel, part of the same network utilized by the Hamas terrorist organization, was identified approximately 150 meters from the security fence along the Israel-Gaza border. Although this tunnel had not breached into Israeli territory, it was still considered a security risk and was effectively demolished by IDF forces. These recent actions underscore the ongoing efforts of the IDF to counter the threat of attack tunnels, thereby safeguarding the security and well-being of Israeli citizens in the region.