Vantage | Why Israel must demolish tunnels to destroy Hamas

In the midst of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, the situation in Gaza City has reached a critical juncture. Israel’s military operation in the Gaza Strip has intensified leading to significant developments on the ground. As the world watches the crisis unfold, it’s essential to understand the latest events and their broader implications. Storming Gaza City Israel’s military has taken a significant step by storming Gaza City, signalling a significant escalation in the conflict. The Israeli government has declared that Hamas leaders are “dead men walking”, both inside and outside Gaza. The primary focus of Israel’s offensive is to target the network of Hamas tunnels that crisscross the region. The situation became more critical when a top leader of the terrorist group, Mahsein Abu Zina, was killed in Israeli airstrikes. Ramping up ground operations In addition to airstrikes, Israel is intensifying its ground operations with a specific focus on the intricate network of Hamas tunnels. These tunnels pose a substantial challenge as they are hidden under civilian infrastructure including homes, hospitals and even an amusement park. One of the commanders from the elite paratroopers, Major Roy, said, “We are here at an amusement park. We found a logistical tunnel here. The tunnels didn’t pass through this area. We bombed this now, and we will continue to do so wherever we find these tunnels.” Tunnels as a dual threat Hamas has strategically embedded its tunnel network within civilian areas to use civilians as human shields. This tactic is designed to deter international action due to the potential for civilian casualties. The tunnels serve two main purposes: launching ambush attacks on Israel and hiding hostages making it a complex mission for Israeli forces to neutralise them. The existence of these tunnels dates back to the 1980s and Hamas expanded the network when it seized power in 2007 using them for military and terrorist operations. While Hamas claims the tunnel network is approximately 500 kilometres long, it is worth noting that this figure is open to debate. For perspective, the Delhi Metro, one of the world’s largest metro systems, is over 350 kilometres long, while the Gaza Strip itself is merely 41 kilometres in length. Nevertheless, the tunnels run deep, sometimes reaching depths of up to 80 metres. Long-term strategy and political speculation As the conflict continues, the question arises: Is Israel planning to take control of Gaza? Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent statement about Israel controlling Gaza’s security for an indefinite period has sparked speculation in this regard. The United States has expressed concerns over the situation. President Joe Biden issued a warning that the US would strongly oppose any attempt by Israel to reoccupy Gaza. This statement reflects the complex relationship between the US and Israel, with both leaders, not always seeing eye to eye on various issues. “Reoccupation by Israeli forces of Gaza is not the right thing to do… Israel and the United states are friends and we do not have to agree on every single word… Netanyahu and Biden are not always exactly in the same place on every issue… We don’t have to agree on every single word," said National Security Council spokesman John Kirby. Political divisions in US The Israel-Hamas conflict has not only sparked concerns at an international level but has also become a divisive political issue in the United States. Lawmakers, including Palestinian-American US Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, have been under pressure to declare their allegiance. Tlaib’s controversial statement that included a Palestinian slogan calling for freedom has triggered debates about her stance on Israel. In response, the US Congress held a vote in the House of Representatives censuring Tlaib for her statement. This public shaming reflects the challenges faced by American lawmakers in navigating the complex dynamics of the Israel-Hamas conflict. As the Israel-Hamas conflict unfolds, it is clear that the situation is no longer solely about security but has become a hot political issue in the US, where lawmakers are under pressure to align with their respective viewpoints on the matter. The global community continues to closely monitor the situation, hoping for a peaceful resolution in the midst of these turbulent times. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.