Israel has announced plans to dismantle Hamas’s underground tunnel network in Gaza once all hostages are freed under a U.S.-backed ceasefire deal. Defense Minister Israel Katz called the operation a "great challenge" and confirmed preparations are underway. The tunnels, used by Hamas for stealth attacks, have been a focal point in the two-year conflict sparked by the group’s 2023 cross-border assault.
Ceasefire & Hostage Deal: The Road Ahead
The three-day-old truce, brokered by the U.S., has already seen the release of 48 Israeli hostages (including deceased individuals) in exchange for 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,700 detained Gazans. But tensions linger: Hamas has resisted calls to disarm, with senior official Hossam Badran calling the next phase of the U.S. plan "complex."
Why the Tunnels Matter 🚇💣
Hamas’s labyrinth of underground passages has allowed fighters to evade detection and launch surprise attacks, including under the Israel-Gaza border. While many tunnels have been destroyed, Israel aims to eliminate the rest as part of Hamas’s demilitarization—a key step in the ceasefire’s later stages.
What’s Next?
With the truce holding for now, global eyes are on Gaza. Will the delicate peace hold as Israel pushes to neutralize Hamas’s infrastructure? Stay tuned for updates as this high-stakes geopolitical drama unfolds. 🌍🔍
