The Israeli security forces (IDF) have now begun the offensive against the jihadist groups represented there Gaza Strip, i.e. a small piece of land about 40 kilometers long and 13 kilometers wide, with a population density that is one of the highest in the world at around 6,500 inhabitants per square kilometer. In this scenario of military operations in urban areas, Israeli infantry and armored troops have to face thousands of dangers, something could be hidden in every building Booby trap or a Anti-tank system. However, threats are not just on the surface of Gaza; there is also a labyrinth of threats underground Galleries which cover the entire area of Gaza, thanks to which the militiamen can move fighters, weapons and even vehicles.
The tunnel network appears to be divided two major typologies. The first ones are dug by hand (often by teenagers) and described as “Disposable”. They could be used for movement small groups of troops tactical on the battlefield, similar to the tunnels used for the smuggling. The tunnels no more permanentlyand then dug deep, are reinforced with Concrete arches. The IDF found tunnels 18 meters deep that could only be detected by ground radar using currently unknown equipment.
The IDF has troops trained in it Fight in the tunnelslike the pioneers ofYahalom Unit, but the task is very demanding. The permanent tunnels allow an average-sized person to stand, but in many places are not much wider than a single person. In the city of Gaza, Israeli forces destroyed positions on October 8th Hamas These included a tunnel under a multi-story building, a mosque and another tunnel. In the city of JeninOn October 23, Hamas carried out airstrikes against sites believed to be Hamas-owned, including the mosque Al Antasari It is a Refugee camp. The IDF said the two locations led to underground tunnels that were used as Reserve areas for the attacks, probably carried out by 69th season or from 122nd Squadron the Israeli Air Force as part of Operation Iron Swords.
Last October 31st, in Jabalia refugee campIn the Gaza Strip, the 69th Squadron hit a tunnel Jabaliya Battalionlater the 84th Givati Infantry Brigade, along with parts of the Southern Command’s 401st Armored Brigade, equipped with tanks Merkava Mk4M and armored personnel carriers (APCs) namesake, they took possession of the field. According to the IDF spokesman, Israeli soldiers killed 50 Hamas militants in the attack.
But how do these tunnels come about? The first traces in Gaza date back to 1984, when they were located by the IDF but classified as simple tunnels Transport of essential goods. Over time, the tunnels expanded and branched out, adapting war purposes by jihadists. Following the example of what was done Hezbollah In Lebanonthe Hamas militants after they took complete control of Gaza in 2007 with the help of Iranian engineers They made a real one strategic weaponas later explained by the organization’s own executives.
From an offensive perspective, the tunnels enable “spectacular” actions with great media coverage. On the defensive level, as is happening now in the strip, they force the attackers to proceed cautiously and let them take the lead surprising counterattacks get out from behind the enemy forces. According to Hamas doctrine, tunnels may only be built to carry out operations, i.e. those they target Resistancethen the one for me Command and control centers (C2) and the spaces for it Storage of ammunition and food.
Following this doctrine, the militiamen – often using the Palestinian population as labor – built tunnels to depths of 20 to 25 meters, taking care of the internal structures, the materials used and the sealing, as well as the disposal of the disturbed soil. By hiding it to protect it from Israeli intelligence, they could track them down. As for me CostThese changed depending on the era and the nature of the tunnels. The numbers are likely to fluctuate $200,000 to $800,000, with groups specializing in such creations. In fact, tunnel construction has become real Business in the Gaza Strip, a profession that jihadists practice and offer to the Palestinian population.