The task facing the Israelis as they try to eliminate Hamas is illustrated in an extraordinary video filmed inside the ‘terror tunnels’ under Gaza. A reporter from Russia Today (RT) was given a rare opportunity to visit the ‘Gaza Metro’, a network that stretches for up to 300 miles beneath the war-torn enclave. During an interview with a senior Hamas official, the question was raised as to why the civilian population was not allowed to seek shelter in the tunnels during bombings. The official’s response indicated that the tunnels were built for self-protection against airstrikes, and that the responsibility of protecting Gaza civilians lies with the UN and Israel. The RT journalist entered the tunnels by being lowered 200ft below the ground using an electric hoist. Once inside, the reporter observed rows of propaganda posters and encountered masked terrorists from Hamas’s allies, Islamic Jihad, armed with assault rifles and rocket propelled grenades. The footage is believed to have been filmed before the present conflict, and one of the terrorists stated that the young fighters are prepared to stay in the tunnels for ‘days or months’.The tunnels are constructed with reinforced concrete on all sides and have an arched roof for added strength.
Inside the tunnels, the reporter is able to walk past numerous propaganda posters while masked terrorists from Hamas’s allies, Islamic Jihad, crouch down with weapons.
Although the footage was filmed before the current conflict, one of the terrorists informs the interviewer that the young fighters behind him are prepared to remain in the tunnels for extended periods of time.
Hamas’s military engineers have developed expertise in setting up the tunnels with concrete lining, ventilation, electric lighting, and telephone lines, all of which are visible as the reporter navigates through the area.
The film also captures terrorists running through the tunnels with weapons, while others continue to dig by hand to expand the network further.A Palestinian is seen walking among the rubble following an Israeli airstrike in the Al Sheikh Redwan neighborhood in northern Gaza City on Tuesday. Israeli troops were planning to enter the northern Gaza Strip on Tuesday and were stationed in the Al-Tawam area and Al-Karama neighborhood in the Palestinian enclave. Palestinians were searching for survivors in the rubble of a building in the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip on Tuesday. Additionally, a video claims to show torpedoes being deployed by Hamas in the sea at an unidentified location.
In 2014, a reporter for Hamas’s own newspaper joined a team of diggers who were described as being like “bees in a hive.” The reporter noted that the diggers were motivated by the belief that every inch they dug would help spill the blood of an Israeli soldier or kidnap one. Following the discovery and destruction of many tunnels by the Israelis during the 2014 Gaza war, a monitoring process was implemented to prevent Hamas from diverting building materials for tunnel construction. Despite the presence of CCTV cameras on building sites and a rigorous approval process, Hamas was still able to acquire the materials they needed.In recent years, Israel has been facing a significant challenge in dealing with the construction of underground tunnels by Hamas. These tunnels have been used by the militant group to carry out attacks on Israeli soil. To counter this threat, Israel has implemented various measures, including the use of advanced technology and intelligence gathering.
One of the key materials used by Hamas in the construction of these tunnels is concrete. It is believed that Hamas has been acquiring concrete through various means, including smuggling it into the Gaza Strip. Additionally, recycled concrete and rubble from destroyed houses have also been utilized in the tunnel construction.
In 2021, the Israeli newspaper Haaretz raised concerns about the supervision of the system responsible for the supply of concrete in Israel. It claimed that poor oversight had resulted in Israel effectively providing Hamas with concrete for its tunnel construction. This revelation highlighted the need for stricter supervision and control over the distribution of construction materials in the region.
The supply of concrete to Hamas for tunnel construction poses a significant security risk for Israel. These tunnels have been used by Hamas to launch attacks, smuggle weapons, and infiltrate Israeli territory. Therefore, it is crucial for Israel to enhance its monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to prevent the misuse of construction materials by militant groups.
Efforts have been made to address this issue, with Israel implementing stricter regulations and controls on the distribution of construction materials. These measures aim to ensure that concrete and other materials are not diverted for illicit purposes. By strengthening supervision and oversight, Israel aims to disrupt the tunnel construction activities of Hamas and enhance its security.
In conclusion, the construction of underground tunnels by Hamas poses a significant security threat to Israel. Concrete has been a key material used in these tunnels, and there have been concerns about its supply and supervision. Israel has taken steps to address this issue by implementing stricter regulations and controls. By doing so, it aims to prevent the misuse of construction materials and enhance its security against Hamas’ tunnel construction activities.
