The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on July 11, 2024, that they have demolished a tunnel used by Hamas militants located beneath a mosque in Gaza. The operation was part of ongoing efforts to neutralize Hamas’ underground infrastructure, which the IDF claims is used for smuggling weapons and facilitating attacks against Israel.
According to the IDF, the tunnel posed a significant security threat due to its strategic location and use by Hamas for militant activities. The military operation aimed to dismantle the tunnel while minimizing damage to the mosque and surrounding civilian areas.
“Our forces have successfully demolished a Hamas tunnel that was constructed beneath a mosque in Gaza. This tunnel was part of a network used by Hamas to conduct terrorist activities, posing a grave threat to Israeli security,” an IDF spokesperson stated. “We took extensive measures to ensure the operation was carried out with minimal impact on civilian infrastructure.”
The IDF provided footage and images of the tunnel’s entrance and interior, demonstrating the complexity and extent of the underground network. The military emphasized that the operation was necessary to prevent future attacks and to protect Israeli citizens.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the IDF for their precision and effectiveness in targeting Hamas’ infrastructure. “This operation is a testament to our commitment to defending Israel from terrorist threats. Hamas’ use of civilian structures like mosques for military purposes is a blatant violation of international law, and we will continue to take decisive action to dismantle their capabilities,” Netanyahu said.
Hamas condemned the operation, accusing Israel of targeting religious sites and escalating the conflict. “The demolition of a tunnel beneath a mosque is an act of aggression and a violation of our religious rights. We will respond to this provocation and continue our resistance against the Israeli occupation,” a Hamas spokesperson declared.
The international community has expressed concern over the ongoing violence and the impact on civilian areas. The United Nations reiterated its call for both parties to avoid actions that could escalate the conflict and to respect international humanitarian law. “We urge all parties to exercise restraint and ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure,” said a UN representative.
The European Union also stressed the need for a diplomatic solution to the conflict. “While we recognize Israel’s right to self-defense, we emphasize the importance of finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The use of civilian structures for military purposes by Hamas is unacceptable and endangers innocent lives,” an EU representative stated.
Humanitarian organizations have highlighted the challenges of conducting military operations in densely populated areas like Gaza. They called for increased efforts to ensure the safety of civilians and the protection of essential services. “The humanitarian situation in Gaza is already dire, and military actions must be carefully conducted to avoid exacerbating the suffering of the civilian population,” said a spokesperson for a leading humanitarian organization.
As the IDF continues its operations against Hamas, the focus remains on balancing military objectives with the need to protect civilian lives and infrastructure. The destruction of the tunnel beneath the mosque underscores the complexities of the conflict and the urgent need for a comprehensive and lasting peace.
