Hamas has allocated tens of millions of dollars, originally intended for Gaza’s development, to construct underground terrorist infrastructure, according to the IDF. The military, citing intelligence findings, revealed that Hamas prioritized building tunnels, diverting over 6,000 tons of concrete and 1,800 tons of metal during Israel’s ground operation in the region last year. The underground network spans hundreds of kilometers, with the IDF utilizing seized intelligence, including 65 million digital files and half a million physical documents, in its efforts to uncover terror tunnels.

Some tunnels contained large sacks from the U.N. Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), filled with sand, potentially used to stabilize tunnels before concrete layers were added.

The IDF expanded operations in the Hamas stronghold of Khan Yunis, exposing a vast tunnel network used for holding hostages. The IDF estimated that millions of dollars were invested in excavating and equipping the tunnel with ventilation systems, electrical supply, and plumbing. An investigation confirmed Israeli hostages had been held captive in cages, 60 feet underground.

During a press briefing Thursday, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the IDF spokesman, emphasized the significance of rescuing the remaining 136 hostages still held by Hamas. He underscored the gravity of the conflict, characterizing it as a just war against an enemy that deliberately initiated hostilities, committing crimes against humanity and cruel acts not witnessed in the Western world for decades.

Source: Hamodia