Israeli forces say they have discovered a huge concrete and iron-walled tunnel that can transport militant vehicles from Gaza to the border.
100 metres south of the Erez crossing checkpoint in northern Gaza, Israeli forces showed reporters the exit from what was said to be Hamas's flagship tunnel, hidden in the dunes.
The tunnel extends diagonally to a depth of 50 meters and extends in height and width to a relatively spacious three meters, equipped with electrical installations. Israeli army spokesman Hagari said the tunnel was four kilometers long enough to reach northern Gaza City.
Hagari said it was "the largest tunnel we've found in Gaza and is designed to target the Erez crossing." The tunnel cost millions of dollars and took years to build to accommodate vehicles. ”
Hamas did not respond to a Reuters request for comment.
In general, the tunnels shown to ** are narrow and low, designed for the gunners to move in a single row on foot. The tunnel shown by Hagari has vertical downward shafts, which he says suggests it is part of a wider network.
These tunnels are a challenge for Israel, which fears that the hostages held by Hamas may be hidden in the tunnels.
Hagari showed reporters the ** of Mohammed Sinwar, the brother of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was sitting in a car. Hagari said the car was driving inside the tunnel.
On October 29, Israel's YNET News** reported that Israeli forces had killed several gunmen who had attacked the Erez crossing after entering through the tunnel. Hagari's office did not respond to inquiries about whether this referred to the tunnel he shown.