New York Times: The tunnel network of Hamas has surprised the Israeli army

According to the report of Tasnim News international group, New York Times publication In a report it published on Tuesday, it said that the “width, depth and quality of the tunnels” built by Hamas have surprised the Israeli army.

This newspaper wrote that one of the tunnels In Gaza, it was wide enough that a senior Hamas official was able to drive a car inside it. Another tunnel was as long as three football fields. In another case, a tunnel was dug under the house of one of the commanders of Hamas, which was almost seven stories underground with one staircase. Israeli officials and soldiers who have been inside the Hamas tunnels, as well as current and former American officials, say that the extent, depth and quality of the tunnels built by Hamas have amazed them.

The American newspaper wrote that even some of the devices used by Hamas to build tunnels have surprised the Israeli army, and army officials now say that there are many more tunnels under Gaza.

In December, the Israeli military estimated the length of the Hamas tunnel network at 250 miles, but senior Israeli officials have now told The New York Times on condition of anonymity that they estimate the network at 350 to 450 miles. Two other officials said they estimate there are 5,700 holes leading to the tunnels.

The New York Times writes that it is not possible for this newspaper to independently verify the accuracy of these figures, and Israeli intelligence agencies have so far made different assessments about the tunnel network in Gaza.

The American media described the extent of the Hamas tunnel network as an intelligence failure for the Israeli army, and the Tel Aviv newspaper downplayed the extent and importance of this network for the survival of Hamas.

The New York Times wrote: “For the Israeli military, these tunnels are now an underground nightmare that are central to Hamas’ ability to survive.” All of Israel’s strategic goals in Gaza are now related to destroying these tunnels.” is to first draw a map of them and make sure that there are no prisoners inside them. According to the New York Times, recent attempts to flood the tunnels have failed.

The Israeli official stated that disabling the Hamas tunnel network may take several years. have.

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