News reports and official statements from the IDF

IDF Reports Progress in Dismantling 25 Hamas Tunnels Along Gaza-Egypt Border, Rafah Area

Jul 17, 2024, 10:53 AM

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have reported significant progress in their efforts to locate and dismantle Hamas's network of cross-border smuggling tunnels along the Gaza-Egypt border. According to the IDF, approximately 25 tunnels have been discovered so far, and the search is expected to take several more months to complete. Hamas operatives are reportedly struggling to remain hidden in tunnels for extended periods and are moving above ground to hide among civilians, suffering from severe morale issues. The IDF has released footage showing Hamas operatives uncovering a tunnel shaft in a residential apartment. Additionally, the IDF has completed the demolition of a Hamas attack tunnel used by four terrorists in an attempted infiltration into Israel in June from the Rafah area. The Combat Engineering Unit has been actively involved in these operations.