Israel vows to dismantle Gaza tunnel network after hostage release

Israel has announced plans to eliminate what remains of Hamas’s underground tunnel system in Gaza, saying the operation will proceed with U.S. approval once all hostages are freed.

Defence Minister Israel Katz said Sunday that the mission will take place under an “international mechanism” headed by the United States, which brokered the ceasefire now in its third day.

“Israel’s great challenge after the hostage release phase will be the destruction of all Hamas terrorist tunnels in Gaza,” Katz said in a statement. “I have ordered the army to prepare to carry out this mission.”

Hamas has long relied on an extensive network of tunnels beneath Gaza to conceal fighters and weapons from Israeli surveillance. Some of the passages have extended under the border fence into Israel, enabling surprise assaults.

Many of the tunnels were destroyed during the ongoing conflict, which began nearly two years ago following Hamas’s October 7, 2023 cross-border attack. Katz said the remainder would be demolished as part of efforts to disarm and demilitarize Hamas — steps outlined in later phases of the U.S.-backed ceasefire plan.

The Palestinian group has agreed to the initial phase of that plan, which brought about Friday’s truce. The next step, expected Monday, includes the release of 48 Israeli hostages — both living and deceased — with 20 believed to be alive.

In return, Israel is expected to free 250 “national security prisoners,” several linked to deadly attacks, along with 1,700 Gazans detained by its military.

However, Hamas has resisted demands to disarm. On Sunday, senior official Hossam Badran told AFP the second phase of the U.S. proposal “contains many complexities and difficulties.”

(AFP)