Even before Israel-Gaza war, tunnels have been one of the primary source of smuggling and part of strategy for primal warfare since the medieval times, dating as back to Greek, Roman and Persian empires around 330 BC to tunnels used by drug cartels to smuggle drugs from Mexico into the USA to tunnels in the mountains of Afghanistan used by Taliban, tunnels have been used in vast number of illegal activities and so has been found in Israel-Gaza amidst the tension and the war.
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What are the tunnels and why are they important?
Historically, these tunnels date back to centuries ago when Israel and Gaza were a part of the Persian empire. These tunnels have been documented in the Rafah region where they used to bring all kind of good into Gaza from Egypt.
The recent escalation of violence between Israel and Gaza has brought renewed attention to the network of smuggling tunnels that run under the Gaza Strip. These tunnels, which have been used by Gaza and other militant groups for years, serve as a lifeline for the besieged enclave, as well as a strategic weapon against Israel.
How are the tunnels built and destroyed?
According to Israeli estimates, there are hundreds of tunnels in Gaza, some of them reaching as deep as 30 meters below the surface. The tunnels are dug by hand or with simple tools, and are reinforced with concrete and metal. They are equipped with electricity, ventilation, communication systems, and even rail tracks. The tunnels are constantly being expanded and repaired, as Israel tries to locate and destroy them with airstrikes, ground operations, and underground sensors.
The tunnels have played a crucial role in the ongoing conflict, which erupted on May 10 after weeks of tensions over Jerusalem. Hamas has fired more than 4,000 rockets at Israel, many of them from underground launchers. Israel has responded with a massive aerial and artillery bombardment of Gaza, targeting Hamas’s military infrastructure, including the tunnels. Israel claims that it has destroyed more than 100 kilometers of tunnels, while Hamas denies that its tunnel network has been significantly damaged.
Hamas: Masters of Subterranean Warfare
Hamas, the governing authority of the Gaza Strip, has transformed these tunnels into a strategic weapon. They’re not just for smuggling goods anymore; they’re a lifeline for Hamas, a way to wage war without setting foot on the battlefield. These tunnels allow Hamas to move fighters, transport weapons, and carry out operations while remaining largely undetected. It’s a form of subterranean warfare that has forced their adversaries to rethink their strategies.
Israel Defense Forces: Fighting an Unseen Enemy
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) face a unique challenge. How do you fight an enemy you can’t see? The IDF has had to adapt, developing new strategies and technologies to detect and destroy these underground threats. From seismic sensors to advanced mapping technologies, the IDF is investing heavily in uncovering this invisible battlefield. But it’s a game of cat and mouse, as Hamas continues to dig new tunnels and find new ways to evade detection.
The Tunnels: Highways of Smuggling
But it’s not just about warfare. These tunnels are also the arteries of a thriving black market. Everything from food and medicine to weapons and contraband are smuggled through this subterranean network. This underground economy not only fuels the conflict but also provides a lifeline for many Gazans, who rely on the goods smuggled through the tunnels to survive. It’s a high-stakes game of risk and reward, with the tunnels serving as both a source of resilience and a potential trigger for conflict.
The Human Cost
The war has already taken hundred thousands of lives, to add to this underground war has a human cost. The tunnels are often unstable and dangerous, and those who work in them risk their lives every day. Cave-ins are common, and many tunnel workers have lost their lives in accidents. And when the IDF targets the tunnels, it results in greater loss of life, not only for the militants and smugglers but also many civilians taking shelter, just like it happens in every war.