Unraveling the events in Gaza. "Everything was shrouded in mystery"
An intricate tunnel system that contains Hamas' command center also serves as an internment for captives. Rescuing captives in such circumstances equates to a "suicidal mission" - says a veteran of special unit GROM. He explains, "No sane commander would send their counter-terrorists on a mission that spells certain death, especially considering the traps that lay in wait."
Oct 27, 2023 | updated: 6:40 AM EDT, October 27, 2023
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have differently termed this deep-rooted elliptic of passages in the Gaza Strip as "the metro of Gaza". This labyrinth of tunnels is utilized for transport of individuals and goods, as well as a hiding place for rockets and ammunition stockpiles, all effectively kept out of the sight of IDF planes and reconnaissance drones.
In 2021, Hamas declared that they had established tunnels stretching up to 310 miles. To visualize this, consider the subway system in New York, which contains 248 miles of routes.
One characteristic difference of Hamas' tunnels from those of Al-Qaeda in the Afghan mountains or Viet Cong in the Southeast Asian jungles, is that Hamas' underground network lies beneath one of the most densely populated regions globally. Nearly 2 million people inhabit an area of 88 square miles (improperly stated as 1375.39 square miles).
Hostages are reportedly kept within these tunnels under the Gaza Strip.
Recent reports from the Israeli army state that as of October 7, Hamas has been detaining a minimum of 222 captives within the Gaza Strip. Amongst them are 30 children, as revealed by Israel's President Isaac Herzog during his summit with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Jochewed Lifshitz, a recently freed Hamas captive, recounted to the "Jerusalem Post" that she was guided through a vast web-like network of subterranean tunnels. The journey encompassed several miles, spanning approximately 3 hours.
Decisions require a harsh, brutal calculation
A veteran of GROM who served in Bosnia, Kosovo, and Iraq, stated, that any mission to liberate the captives hidden within the Gaza Strip would be significantly risky.
"Everyone needs to weigh the risks. The safety of the rescuing unit, in this case, the counter-terrorists, is crucial. None would dispatch them into an environment where traps, ambushes, and a myriad of perils await", he lists.
He adds that the tunnels are heavily guarded and "eager" for the arrival of the special forces. But venturing on such a mission would be suicidal, and he doubts anyone would opt for it. Despite the pleas from the hostages' families, a harsh, brutal calculation is necessary, he pointed out.
"The entire operation was cloaked in mystery"
He insists that the Palestinian side meticulously planned and prepared for many months, even years, with the tunnels reaching depths of several dozen meters. -While constructing them, secrecy was of paramount importance. Although not continuous, numerous underground corridors nonetheless interconnect, he declares.
"Aerial attacks are not effective, and entering the tunnels entails huge risks. Though there are specialized units for such operations, their deployment is not a given. The developments in those regions will continue to draw attention", he predicts.
As the colonel underscores, beneath the Gaza Strip lies an underground city housing hospitals and logistics centers, and storing equipment.
"An enemy who can weigh their life, prepared to sacrifice it, is the most formidable adversary," opines the expert, describing Hamas' tactics.
Colonel suggests that the situation in Iraq demonstrated that in contemporary warfare scenarios, if possible, combatants move underground - especially in crowded urban areas where aerial cover is fruitless, he explains.
Israel prepares for offensive
Israel is preparing for an offensive on the Gaza Strip imminently. "The Times of Israel" reports IDF's objective in this conflict is to dismantle Hamas' infrastructure, ultimately striving for "the eradication of the group".
"The Israel Defense Forces stated that they are fully equipped for a ground assault in the Gaza Strip and hold the belief that they can achieve their objectives, notwithstanding the likelihood of severe losses from recurring Hezbollah attacks from the north", the publication writes.
The turmoil in the Middle East
The prevalent Israeli-Palestinian conflict took a drastic turn following an attack by Hamas on October 7, where they invaded Israeli territory, slew local inhabitants, and took many to the Gaza Strip. Reportedly, the assault resulted in approximately 1,400 fatalities and a minimum of 222 abductions, inclusive of children, women, and the elderly.
Israel's retaliatory action to date has mainly encompassed targeted bombings in the Gaza Strip. As per media reports, the restraint on Israel's part reportedly comes at the behest of U.S. authorities for humanitarian purposes, to facilitate U.S. citizens' evacuation from the Gaza Strip, and in anticipation of a potential escalation and intensification of conflict in the Middle East.
