Israel's Ground Forces Face Growing Threat from Gaza's Tunnels

Israel's ground forces face a significant challenge in dealing with the vast network of tunnels that Hamas has developed underneath the Gaza Strip. These tunnels, likened to "miniature cities," are believed to be used by Hamas to hide weapons, fighters, and command centers. The tunnels have been a part of life in Gaza for years, but their numbers sharply multiplied after Hamas took control of the enclave in 2007. Israel has limited visibility into tunnel activity on the Egyptian side of the border, where many of the networks end. The tunnels pose operational challenges for the Israeli Defense Forces, as they are narrow, potentially booby-trapped, and can be used by Hamas to launch surprise attacks. Ground forces are necessary to counter tunneling tactics, but the process of detecting, fighting in, and ultimately destroying the tunnels is complex and challenging.