Hamas rebuilding terror tunnels faster than Israel can destroy them – report

Even with IDF engineering teams working around the clock to demolish Hamas tunnels in Gaza, security officials warn that the terror group can repair and restore tunnels at an even faster rate.

By World Israel News Staff

Israeli security officials are warning that the IDF is nowhere near completing the destruction of Hamas’ extensive terror tunnel network across the Gaza Strip, with one official adding that the terror group appears to be capable of rebuilding its underground infrastructure faster than the IDF can demolish it.

According to a report published Tuesday night by Israel’s Channel 14, which cited multiple security officials, newly presented intelligence information shows that Hamas is still far from being defeated, largely because of its tunnel network.

In the past two months, IDF forces have uncovered around 40 underground tunnel sites in northern Gaza alone, but officials believe that many more tunnels remain undiscovered in the area.

In addition, the officials cited in Tuesday’s report said that it appears that a vastly greater tunnel network remains hidden in central Gaza.

Israeli intelligence assessments indicate that the tunnel infrastructure there has been barely impacted and remains at roughly the same level of operational effectiveness as before October 7, 2023.

One official emphasized that the most troubling takeaway for the IDF is the assessment that Hamas can repair and restore tunnels faster than IDF engineering teams can find and demolish them.

Officials say Hamas also has significant funds and an efficient logistics system, which enable it to preserve its key strategic asset—the underground network—meaning that while IDF troops demolish tunnels aboveground, Hamas operatives may be rebuilding beneath them.

Security sources argue that trying to defeat Hamas “with tweezers” is ineffective and warn that Israel cannot achieve victory without a rapid, comprehensive campaign to destroy the entire underground system.