Israel unveils largest Hamas tunnel amid escalating conflict in Gaza

In defiance of mounting international appeals for a ceasefire, Israel’s army announced a significant discovery on Sunday – the largest Hamas tunnel to date near the Erez border crossing.

The offensive in Gaza, which commenced with unprecedented Hamas attacks on southern Israel on October 7, has resulted in a devastating toll on the Palestinian territory, with over 18,800 reported casualties, predominantly women and children.

Israeli strikes on Sunday claimed dozens more lives, as the conflict has left Gaza’s population displaced, struggling to access essential resources such as fuel, food, water, and medicine. The uncovered tunnel, equipped with features like rails, electricity, drainage, and a communications network, is said to have cost millions of dollars and taken years to construct.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s commitment to its objectives, vowing to eliminate Hamas, free hostages, and prevent Gaza from becoming a “center for terrorism.” However, international voices, including French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, intensified calls for an “immediate and durable” truce, citing the rising civilian casualties.

The United Nations estimates that 1.9 million Gazans, approximately 80% of the population, have been displaced by the conflict. Concerns are growing about the humanitarian crisis, with Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, warning of potential deaths due to hunger, disease, and weakened immunity.

As diplomatic efforts persist, the conflict’s impact extends beyond Gaza. Violence has escalated in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, with Israeli forces reportedly killing five Palestinians. The situation has also raised fears of a broader Middle East conflict, with incidents along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon and attacks on Red Sea shipping by Yemen’s Iran-backed Huthi rebels.

In this challenging environment, the international community remains focused on finding a resolution to the conflict and alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.