Since the terrorist attacks in October, much of the aftermath continues to focus on Hamas tunnels. How did they get so widespread? Exactly how deep do they go? Are there really Hamas tunnels under hospitals? The inquiries grow far and wide. Unfortunately, so too do the Hamas tunnels maps as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is discovering the organization’s tremendous dedication to the network. How to destroy Hamas tunnels continues to perplex the IDF, yet a closer look is exposing why the organization has been so successful at constructing them.
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How Deep Are Hamas Tunnels?
The depth and extensive nature of the Hamas tunnels continue to be a concerning discovery. While the IDF has found some of the Hamas tunnel to reach 260 feet or deeper, many other sections are easily 60 to 80 feet underground.
This is a concerning prospect as the Hamas tunnel network is proving to not only be deeper and more expansive than originally believed but also more complex. The Hamas underground tunnels feature sophisticated designs and can include living quarters, elevators, war rooms, and much more.
It’s not fair to say that the Hamas tunnels in Gaza are all the same. Some are nothing more than a means to an end. Holes in the ground to get from one point to another. But there are sections with reinforced walls using concrete and electricity to effectively create a city underneath a city.
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Palestine and a Misappropriation of Funds
When it comes to international aid to the Palestinians, the United States is one of the largest donors. There are several nations providing aid to the impoverished region and support from regional governments, including Qatar.
The United Nations (UN) does a lot to take care of Palestinians, at least what it can during peacetime. Yet, this is an opportunity for Hamas who instead of using the taxes within the region to take care of the people it claims to be fighting for, uses them for tunnels and weapons.
You’ll find the Hamas tunnels are set up to ambush the IDF. It’s harder to spot bomb shelters built for people. The funding for such operations has connection to Iran but it’s a notable factor that Hamas is being exposed for funding acts of war rather than providing basic services to Palestine.
Like anything geopolitical, there is more than what meets the eye. Hamas isn’t the government but in a very real way also governs Gaza. The group is in charge of normal political situations but is also a noted terror group.
In the end, it’s simply another way in which the Palestinian people are sadly placed in the worst possible position. Innocent people looking to raise families and live life as anyone would provide funding for a cycle of violence, are denied services and remain caught in the middle of a feud too complex for a short Internet article.
Can Israel Flood Hamas Tunnels With Water?
Hamas diverted manpower and revenue from other projects to build its tunnel network. Now, there are calls for flooding Hamas tunnels as they are proving to be quite extensive in nature. The plan to flood Hamas tunnels, however, has several issues, despite evidence pointing to its eventual possibility:
- Some experts claim that flooding the tunnels would qualify as one of the elements of the crime of genocide.
- This is because in doing so, not only would it potentially kill Hamas fighters, but the groundwater would become undrinkable.
- On top of leaving the Gaza Strip with no drinkable water, the land would also suffer rendering farming impossible.
- The extensive network of tunnels means that even flooding them might not be enough to take care of everything.
Part of the reason the war continues is because of Israel’s desire for more time to destroy Hamas tunnels. A reasonable excuse but one that still appears to be wearing thin. Regardless, using seawater to flood the network looks to be an option multiple sides hope to avoid altogether.