"Discover 300-600 miles of Hamas tunnels beneath northern Gaza. IDF continues to uncover & dismantle these networks, essential for President Trump's peace
**Israeli Military Uncovers Extensive Tunnel Network in Gaza**
In a contested border region, the pristine streets and agricultural land of Israel give way to destruction and dirt roads upon entry into northern Gaza and the predominantly devastated Shujaiya neighborhood. At times, sounds resembling gunfire were audible.
Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, a spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), suggested that some Hamas fighters may have brought their family members to seek refuge in the uncovered tunnel, an advantage not extended to the general population of Gaza during hostilities. NBC News could not independently verify this assertion.
**Hamas Tunnels:**
- Between 300 and 600 miles of tunnels are estimated to exist beneath the enclave
- Israeli forces continue discovering new tunnels as they work towards dismantling them, per Shoshani
- Dismantlement is a key part of President Donald Trump's peace plan for Gaza
- Reconstruction cannot commence until all tunnels have been destroyed
Shoshani confirmed that Hamas remains present in Gaza and has yet to lay down their weapons, a prerequisite in Trump’s plan. He reiterated Israel's commitment to defending its citizens until Hamas disarms.
**Inside the Tunnel:**
- NBC News Chief Foreign Correspondent Richard Engel explored the tunnel on Monday
- A bathroom containing a toilet and sink was found within
- No Palestinians were present during the approximately two-hour visit, as none reside in this eastern area beyond the "yellow line"
- Over half of Gaza's territory is still governed by the IDF
- The Palestinian population of around 2.3 million, reduced from before a Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023, resides on the other side of the boundary
Health officials within the enclave report over 72,000 fatalities in the Israeli military campaign, which began following Hamas's multi-pronged attacks on Israel that resulted in 1,200 deaths and over 240 hostage situations.
**The "Yellow Line":**
- Originally intended as a temporary boundary, the "yellow line" has become a contentious area, with Palestinians occasionally killed by Israeli forces approaching it
- Allegations have surfaced that Israeli forces repeatedly cross the boundary and move the yellow concrete blocks, causing confusion among Palestinians; these claims are denied by the IDF
In Gaza City, 70-year-old Iman Khzeiq expressed hope on Monday that she would one day be reunited with her six grandchildren in Shujaiya, where they lost their father during the conflict. Khzeiq, who suffers from diabetes and high blood pressure, noted that instead of attending school, the children are forced to scavenge for water and food. Despite these hardships, she remains resolute in staying near her home "even if we live on the rubble."
Source: Read Original Article
Post a Comment