IDF: Hamas tunnel network much larger than expected, made Gaza a ‘fortress’

As Israeli Defense Forces advance in their mission to eliminate Hamas, IDF soldiers uncovered an extensive Hamas tunnel network beneath Gaza. Israeli intelligence initially estimated 250 miles of tunnels, but the IDF now suggests between 350 and 450 miles of tunnels with 5,700 separate tunnel shafts. The Gaza territory stretches to 25 miles at its longest point.

IDF officials claim they have evidence of Hamas using the tunnels to hide Israeli hostages kidnapped on Oct. 7, with hostage DNA found in a bathroom 8 feet below ground.

“We found in this tunnel hostage remains, hostage DNA,” said Daniel Hagari, an IDF spokesperson. “Hostages were held here, in this tunnel system.”

One former CIA officer who worked extensively in the Middle East told the New York Times that “Hamas has used the time and resources over the last 15 years to turn Gaza into a fortress.”

IDF soldiers supported this claim, revealing Hamas uses the advanced tunnel system for manufacturing and transporting weapons, including rockets and mortar shells. Footage of the tunnels shows what the soldiers called “the largest weapons production site” in the Gaza Strip. The IDF claims Hamas used to produce long-range missiles capable of reaching northern Israel.

Soldiers also discovered tunnels beneath heavily populated civilian areas, such as hospitals, schools, churches and residents’ homes. They also claimed to have found a list of Gazan families hosting tunnel shafts in their homes.

The first released hostage, an 85-year-old woman, described the challenging conditions in the tunnels and expressed concern for others still held by Hamas.

“Time is limited for life and when you’re over there, the lack of air in the tunnels, as well as the shortage of food and medicine can bring people to complete exhaustion, and they just won’t make it,” the woman said during an interview with NBC’s Richard Engel. “They need to get out today, otherwise, they won’t live.”

IDF intelligence estimates over 100 hostages are still being held by Hamas, and their fate remains unclear. Israeli officials say they plan to destroy the tunnel network, but the IDF needs to check for hostages and booby traps, potentially taking years to demolish the tunnels.