The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) uncovered another attack tunnel in the southern Gaza Strip on July 8.
The tunnel was discovered during the IDF’s construction of an underground barrier to protect Israelis from Hamas’ attack tunnels.
“IDF soldiers are conducting an investigation of the passage,” the IDF said in a statement, adding that they would provide more information when available. The Eshkol Regional Council also said that the tunnel isn’t a threat.
Israel’s Defense Ministry has been working on the underground barrier since 2016 in response to Hamas’ use of tunnels to kidnap and terrorize Israelis. During Operation Protective Edge in 2014, Israel destroyed more than 30 such Hamas tunnels; since the operation ended, Israel has uncovered 18 more tunnels. The barrier will be 40 miles long and include “reinforced, sensor-laden concrete” to neutralize any currently existing Hamas tunnels and any future tunnels, according to the Times of Israel.
Israel has also uncovered at least six Hezbollah-built attack tunnels to its north; the United Nations has concluded that at least three of those tunnels violate a 2006 ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Shia terror group.
