Latest Detected Hamas Terror Tunnel Was Deepest Yet

IDF had to build an elevator to allow soldiers to reach the tunnel that was 22 stories underground.

By Yakir Benzion, United With Israel

The Hamas terror tunnel that was discovered last month under the Gaza-Israel border was the deepest yet, plunging 22 stories underground, the IDF said on Thursday.

Hamas starts the tunnels in civilian homes in Gaza neighborhoods near the border with Israel in order to hide their activity. This particular tunnel from the town of Khan Yunis is more than 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) long and had already extended under the border fence.

The tunnels are designed to get heavily armed Hamas terrorists into Israel, where their stated goal is to surprise both IDF soldiers and Israeli civilians, kill as many people as possible, and kidnap victims who would be dragged back through the tunnels to be held as hostages by the Iran-backed terror group.

The tunnel discovered by the IDF in October using new technology is the deepest tunnel ever dug by Hamas, 74 meters (242 feet) underground – the equivalent of a 22-story building.

It was so deep that once the IDF excavated a shaft deep enough to reach the reinforced concrete tunnel, they had to build an elevator to allow soldiers to descend into it.

The tunnel was found using new detection technology in the security barrier that is being completed along the entire 65-kilometer length of the Gaza Israel border and proves the IDF’s ability to detect activity at great depths.

“For comparison, the deepest Hezbollah tunnel discovered was 80 meters. It does show a significant upscale in time and resources into these tunnel projects. [Hamas is] testing the new barrier already,” tweeted the Israeli private intelligence company Aurora Intel.

Two years ago the IDF discovered that the Hezbollah terror group in Lebanon had taken a lesson from Hamas and constructed similar attack tunnels under the Lebanon-Israel border with the same goal: kill as many Israelis as possible and kidnap hostages.

When the latest Gaza tunnel was found in October, the IDF warned Hamas of the consequences.

“This is a violation of Israeli sovereignty, an attempt to terrorize our civilians & an abuse of international humanitarian aid. We hold Hamas accountable and stand prepared,” the IDF said.

HELP ISRAELIS BATTLE CORONA!

Donate to the Corona Emergency Relief Fund. Coronavirus has taken a huge toll on the people of Israel. The poor, elderly and ill are most vulnerable.

Israeli soldiers, security officers and medical care providers operate under great danger and risk to life.

Over 1 million Israelis are out of work. Many cannot make ends meet. We provide financial aid, food, medical supplies and more. Funds are distributed where needed most. The time to act is now!

United with Israel extends a special note of appreciation to the Genesis Prize for their generous support.

CLICK HERE TO HELP THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL TODAY!

Send Passover Packages to Needy Israeli Soldiers - Bring Them Joy!

We are honored to thank the young men and women of the IDF who risk their lives every day to protect the citizens of Israel. Since October 7th, soldiers have been on the battlefield for months - many are hoping to come home for Passover.

Join us in sending Passover food packages (and personal notes) to Israeli soldiers and their families.

Many soldiers spend the Passover holiday with needy families back home. The soldiers greatly appreciate your love and concern. Bring them Passover joy!

CLICK HERE TO SEND YOUR PACKAGE AND NOTE TO ISRAELI SOLDIERS!