The Israeli military has been engaged in a fierce battle with the Hamas, focusing on the underground tunnel networks around Gaza City. These tunnels, believed to be used by Hamas for various purposes including holding hostages seized during the October 7 terror attacks, have become a significant target for the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF).

The Tunnel Network

The tunnel network is extensive and complex. Mike Martin, a senior fellow for war studies at King’s College in London, describes it as a mirror of the above-ground landscape but located underground. The network includes communication tunnels at higher levels and storage areas that are as deep as 80 meters. The total length of the network could be as long as 500 kilometers.

The IDF’s Strategy

The IDF is employing a multi-pronged strategy to combat Hamas. This includes airstrikes, ground operations, and potentially naval operations. The ground operations involve troops entering Gaza City, with the aim of either driving militants out of the tunnels, destroying the tunnels, or flooding them with seawater.

Challenges and Solutions

Locating and navigating these tunnels is a significant challenge. The IDF uses ground-penetrating radar to detect the tunnels, but this method is not perfect due to different types of ground having different reflective signatures. Once a tunnel is located, robots and drones are used to trace the tunnels and gather information.

In situations where hostages are believed to be held in the tunnels, the IDF must exercise extreme caution to avoid accidental harm. One method is to fill the tunnels with anesthetic gas, rendering everyone inside unconscious. This allows the IDF to separate the hostages from their captors safely.

Another speculated method is the use of a so-called “sponge bomb”, which is essentially expanding foam. If a tunnel is identified as an arms dump, the IDF can seal off the tunnel using this munition. The foam expands to fill all the cracks in the tunnels and then hardens, effectively sealing off the tunnel.

Public Opinion and Mediation Efforts

While there is overall support for the war efforts among Israelis, there is also criticism, particularly from the families and relatives of the over 240 hostages. Unconfirmed reports suggest that Qatar is attempting to mediate for a possible release of some hostages.

The battle between Israel and Hamas is complex and fraught with challenges. The extensive tunnel network used by Hamas presents a significant obstacle, but the IDF is employing various strategies and technologies to overcome this. While the situation is ongoing, the hope is that a resolution can be reached that ensures the safety of all involved.