Israel Defence Forces uncover 800 Tunnels in Gaza amid ongoing Ground Offensive

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have disclosed the discovery of over 800 tunnel shafts in the Gaza Strip since the commencement of the ground offensive in late October, as reported by The Times of Israel. Of these, around 500 tunnels have been made inoperative through controlled explosions or sealing.

The IDF emphasizes that many of these tunnels serve as crucial links to what they term as Hamas "strategic assets." Beyond eliminating tunnel shafts, the military claims to have dismantled extensive tunnel networks, totaling hundreds of kilometers.

An alarming aspect highlighted by the IDF is the location of these tunnel shafts in civilian areas, often in close proximity to educational institutions, kindergartens, mosques, and playgrounds. In some instances, weaponry belonging to Hamas has reportedly been found inside these tunnels.

Lt Col Avichay Adraee, the IDF Arabic-language spokesman, issued a stern warning to Hamas Shejaiya battalion, declaring them all targets. Adraee emphasized the IDF commitment to dismantling Hamas infrastructure in the Shejaiya neighborhood, presenting two options to the battalion: surrender and disarm or face consequences similar to Wissam Farhat, the Shejaiya battalion commander killed in an Israeli airstrike.

Amidst these developments, rockets from the Gaza Strip struck the southern city of Sderot, causing damage but no reported injuries. The Iron Dome intercepted several other rockets over the city.

In response, Hamas announced a suspension of captive-prisoner swap talks until the Israeli onslaught concludes. Israel withdrew negotiators from Qatar, citing Hamas violation of the truce agreement terms.

Casualty figures continue to rise, with over 15,207 Palestinians reported killed in Gaza since October 7, while the official death toll in Israel stands at approximately 1,200. The situation remains highly volatile, with both sides showing no signs of de-escalation, according to Al Jazeera.