Israeli Army Unveils Gaza Tunnels Used by Hamas

The Israeli army showcased tunnels in southern Gaza, where hostages were held by Hamas. Reporters were shown a cramped tunnel and a larger route blocked by Egypt. Israel continues to uncover extensive tunnel networks amidst ongoing conflict, with significant destruction in Gaza and substantial casualties reported.

The Israeli army took reporters to southern Gaza on Friday, revealing tunnels uncovered by troops, including the entrance to an underground chamber where six Israeli hostages killed by Hamas were found on September 1. For security reasons, reporters were not allowed into the tunnel, in the Tel al-Sultan area of Rafah. However, the military released footage of the passage, located around 20 meters below ground, where the hostages were reportedly held for weeks.

'There is a complete maze of tunnels here in Tel al-Sultan,' Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari told reporters. Standing by the tunnel shaft, which appeared to have been in a child's room in a destroyed house, Hagari stressed the ongoing efforts to rescue 101 hostages still held by Hamas militants.

The military said the hostages were killed on the night of August 29, with their bodies recovered around two days later. Troops have uncovered approximately 13 kilometers of tunnels in Rafah, near the Egypt border. The showcased tunnels included a wide passage blocked from the Egyptian side. Despite the extensive destruction in Gaza from months of conflict, the Philadelphi Corridor was shown as freshly asphalted.

Foreign media have largely been barred from Gaza since Israel's invasion post the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, which resulted in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and more than 250 hostages. Gaza faces massive destruction and significant casualties, with over 41,000 reported dead as per Palestinian health authorities.

The military allowed images from the Friday tour to be reviewed by the military censor before publication.

(With inputs from agencies.)