The conflict between Israel and Hamas is evolving in a new direction as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) initiated an operation to counter the threat of Hamas tunnels in Gaza.
This operation involved flooding these tunnels with seawater and was officially announced in January 2024, although it had been set in motion a month earlier in December 2023. The operation was carried out near Palestine Square in Gaza City’s Rimal neighborhood.
The IDF, in collaboration with several units and officials from the Defense Ministry, developed a series of tools designed to inject high volumes of water into the Hamas tunnels. However, this process was not applied to all tunnels. The IDF carefully selected suitable tunnel shafts for the task, attaching pumps and pipes to them. To ensure that the groundwater was not contaminated, the IDF conducted thorough preemptive checks, including an analysis of the soil and water system in the area, before the flooding.
In response to this strategy, Hamas has asserted its resilience. During a news conference in Beirut, Hamas spokesperson Osama Hamdan revealed that the tunnels were designed to resist such flooding attempts, indicating the complexity of the ongoing conflict.
Tunnel Tactics and Repercussions
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has adopted a unique strategy to counter the threat of Hamas tunnels in Gaza by flooding them with seawater. This operation, which is currently in its testing phase, has raised concerns due to the potential risk to hostages and the possible impact on Gaza’s water supply and sewage system.
The tunnels, beyond being a tool for warfare, serve as an economic lifeline for Gaza’s residents amidst a long-standing blockade. However, the IDF’s actions could inadvertently harm hostages believed to be held underground by Hamas.
Public sentiment is strong, with protests in Tel Aviv demanding action to secure the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza. This situation underscores the human impact of these military operations and the urgent need for a resolution that respects the rights and safety of all parties involved.
Other Neutralization Methods
Flooding is but one method in the IDF’s arsenal for neutralizing Hamas’s underground capabilities. Other tactics include aerial attacks, underground maneuvers, and special operations employing technological means. In December, the IDF began pumping seawater into Hamas’s underground tunnel system, with the initial trial run proving successful.
Gaza’s Humanitarian Crisis
On the other hand, the United Nations has issued warnings of ‘catastrophic consequences’ in Gaza due to a funding row. Major donors have suspended funding to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, following accusations that some staff were involved in the October 7 attack that sparked the war. The withholding of funds poses a serious risk, potentially leading to the collapse of the humanitarian system in Gaza.
The war itself was triggered by Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,140 people, the majority of whom were civilians. In response, Israel’s military launched a comprehensive offensive by air, land, and sea, which has resulted in the deaths of at least 26,900 people in Gaza, most of them women and children.
Global Conflict Impact
The situation in Gaza is a complex web of challenges. While the IDF’s strategy of flooding Hamas tunnels is seen as a necessary measure for national security, it also raises concerns about the potential impact on Gaza’s infrastructure and the lives of its residents. The international community continues to closely monitor the situation, hoping for a peaceful resolution respecting all parties’ rights and safety. The war is influencing the whole world by engaging countries the world is likely to have two sides one supporting Hamas and the other Israel. the situation in the Red Sea is also seen to be stressed due to this war
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