Become a Member
World

Hamas tunnel: a key element in its new strategy

October 14, 2013 08:47
The tunnel leading from under the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory (Photo: IDF via Twitter)

By

Anshel Pfeffer,

Anshel Pfeffer

1 min read

A 1,800m tunnel leading from under the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory, discovered by the IDF last week, was to be used at a future date by Hamas to carry out a terror attack or kidnapping.

The last 300m of the tunnel end near Kibbutz Ein Hashlosha. According to Israeli intelligence, it was almost certainly excavated by Hamas and took over 18 months, ending this June, to build.

The tunnel, which in parts was deep as 22m, was paved throughout with concrete slabs and included electricity and a telephone line.

The discovery of the underground passage, apparently following a tip-off from an informer, has not changed the basic Israeli view that Hamas is currently interested in keeping the ceasefire while consolidating its control of Gaza and rebuilding its military infrastructure destroyed during last year's Operation Pillar of Defence.