Tunnel Warfare in Gaza
Tunnel warfare in the Gaza Strip, notably utilized by Hamas, has emerged as a pivotal facet in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since the early 2000s. Initially intended for smuggling goods and weapons due to the blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt post-2007, these tunnels have evolved into sophisticated networks for terrorist military operations, including attacks and logistics. In response, Israel has heavily invested in detecting and destroying these tunnels, using advanced technologies and constructing underground barriers with sensors. Hamas has been expanding utility of the tunnels in the past decades, and Israel has been enhancing tunnel neutralization strategies.
Terrorists Surrender
In the video below you can see 3 terrorists surrendering, emerging from the tunnel one of them with an assault rifle and lying on the ground before being arrested. They are all wearing civilian clothes.
IDF Response to October 7th Massacres
Following the attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have been significantly involved in operations within the Gaza Strip. During this conflict, the IDF has executed over 11,000 strikes against various targets associated with terror activities in Gaza. These include attacks on Hamas’s tunnel networks, sites for launching anti-tank weapons, and locations of Hamas commanders.
The IDF’s military strategy encompassed overtaking Hamas strongholds, targeting terrorists near a hospital in Gaza City, and launching offensives around the city’s periphery. This included discovering and dismantling weapon storages and coordinating airstrikes.
GRAPHIC WARNING October 7th Raw Video Footage
Credit: HamasVideo.com
A notable intensification of the Israel-Palestinian conflict occurred on the night of October 27, 2023, with the IDF initiating a major incursion into the Gaza Strip in retaliation to the Hamas massacres. This marked a key phase in the 2023 Israel–Hamas conflict, with the IDF’s declared objective being the dismantling of Hamas’s control and influence.
The conflict escalated further on October 31, 2023, with the IDF engaging in direct combat with Hamas forces, advancing deeper into Gaza. This led to the loss of two IDF soldiers and the elimination of a key Hamas leader and 50 militants in the Jabaliya area.
The toll of this conflict has been substantial, with over 1,400 Israelis and international individuals, predominantly civilians, losing their lives, and around 240 being held captive in the initial assault from Gaza. As of November 21, 2023, the death toll in Gaza exceeded 12,000 according to Hamas health officials.
International Condemnation of Hamas Terror
Following the attack by Hamas against Israel on October 7, 2023, there has been notable international condemnation of Hamas. Key reactions and statements include:
- United Nations Secretary-General’s Condemnation: The UN Secretary-General strongly condemned the attack by Hamas against Israeli towns near the Gaza Strip and central Israel, which resulted in numerous civilian deaths and injuries. This condemnation highlighted the serious nature of the attacks, particularly the impact on civilian populations.
- U.S. House of Representatives’ Condemnation: The U.S. House of Representatives, under its new speaker, overwhelmingly condemned the deadly invasion of Israel by Hamas on October 7. This action by the U.S. legislative body marked a strong response from one of Israel’s key allies, underscoring the severity of the situation.
- Human Rights Watch’s Stance: Human Rights Watch referred to the October 7 attacks by Hamas and Islamic Jihad against Israeli and other civilians, and their taking of civilian hostages, as constituting war crimes. This statement from a leading human rights organization added to the chorus of international condemnation, emphasizing the legal implications of Hamas’ actions.
- Biden Administration’s Position: The Biden administration in the United States publicly pressed Hamas to surrender the individuals responsible for its October 7 terrorist attack on southern Israel. This move appeared to be part of a coordinated effort to address the leadership of Hamas and the broader Palestinian militant groups across the Gaza Strip and West Bank
The list goes on with Canada, Bahrain and many EU countries also condemning Hamas.
