Israeli Forces Destroy 50 Hamas Tunnels on Egypt-Gaza Border
In the past month, Israeli combat engineers have destroyed approximately 50 Hamas tunnel routes along the Egypt-Gaza border, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). This announcement was made as Israeli and Arab leaders are preparing to resume ceasefire negotiations in Qatar.
The Philadelphi Corridor
The tunnels were located in the Philadelphi corridor, a 14-km buffer zone along the Gaza-Egypt border. This corridor was established in 2006 to prevent weapons smuggling after Israel disengaged from the Gaza Strip. Hamas took control of Gaza from the Palestinian Authority in 2007.
Recent Tunnel Destruction
On August 4, soldiers from the IDF’s elite Yahalom combat engineering unit destroyed a three-meter tall smuggling tunnel leading into Egypt, which was large enough to drive vehicles through. The military did not specify if any of the tunnels crossed into the Egyptian Sinai.
Importance of Securing the Corridor
Securing the Philadelphi corridor and destroying smuggling tunnels is crucial to prevent Hamas from rearming and to stop its leaders from escaping into the Sinai with Israeli hostages. At least 1,200 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas’s attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 111 remaining hostages, 39 have been declared dead. Hamas has also been holding two Israeli civilians since 2014 and 2015, and the bodies of two soldiers killed in 2014.
Doubts Revealed
Israeli Forces -: These are the military forces of Israel, a country in the Middle East.
Hamas -: Hamas is a group that controls the Gaza Strip and often fights with Israel.
Tunnels -: These are underground passages that Hamas uses to move people and weapons secretly.
Egypt-Gaza Border -: This is the boundary line between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, a small area where many Palestinians live.
Combat Engineers -: These are soldiers who specialize in building and destroying structures, like tunnels.
Weapons Smuggling -: This means secretly bringing weapons into an area where they are not allowed.
Hostages -: These are people who are captured and held by someone, often to force others to do something.
Philadelphi Corridor -: This is a narrow strip of land between Egypt and Gaza, used as a buffer zone to prevent smuggling.
Buffer Zone -: An area created to keep two groups apart and reduce conflict.
Rearming -: This means getting new weapons and supplies to continue fighting.
Ceasefire Talks -: These are discussions to stop fighting and create peace.
Qatar -: A small, rich country in the Middle East where important meetings often happen.