The IDF has only destroyed about a quarter of Hamas’s tunnels in Gaza, security sources said on Wednesday.
Security sources also added that a significant number of smuggling tunnels crossing from Egypt to the Gaza strip are still intact. The Egypt-Gaza border remains a point of contention, with concerns over weapons smuggling resulting in Israel’s refusal to withdraw from the Philadelphia Corridor.
“I saw with my own eyes quite a few tunnels crossing into Egypt; some were closed, and several were open,” Defense Minister Israel Katz said at a February conference, according to N12. “We had information that Hamas was planning to attack soldiers and settlements during the ceasefire.”
Despite efforts to control the corridor as a buffer zone, numerous experts argue that holding the border may not effectively stop the flow of weapons.
The report follows the recent resumption of combat operations in the Gaza Strip and a military order issued in late March directing residents of Rafah in southern Gaza to evacuate. The IDF had previously withdrawn troops from Rafah after a ceasefire was agreed upon in January, though that ceasefire has since expired.
Less than two weeks ago, the IDF reported that Yahalom Unit troops dismantled a one-kilometer-long Hamas tunnel route. Currently, the 143rd, 252nd, and 36th IDF divisions are operating in the area.
Hamas terrorists flee the area
The IDF also told N12 that it has detected a significant number of Hamas terrorists fleeing combat zones. These terrorists are reportedly hiding among civilian populations and within tunnels, likely trying to avoid direct contact with soldiers.
The military noted that its operations in Gaza have become more decentralized, with limited face-to-face combat, although it assumes this will be temporary. The IDF believes Hamas will eventually be forced to engage in direct confrontation again.
“IDF troops, under the leadership of the Southern Command, are deepening the operation, and this will continue at a deliberate and determined pace,” said Chief of the General Staff, Lt.-Gen Eyal Zamir.
“The only thing that can halt our advance is the release of our hostages. Their return would allow our forces to reposition and enable the continuation of negotiation.”