In a strategic move to counter the underground network of tunnels used by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Israel has reportedly expected to deployed a significant system of pumps capable of flooding the intricate passageways.
The US officials revealed that Israel has installed at least five pumps approximately one mile north of the Al-Shati refugee camp.
These pumps have the capacity to move thousands of cubic meters of water per hour, potentially rendering the tunnels inoperable within weeks.
The setup of these flood-inducing pumps was completed by Israel’s army around mid-November, marking a novel approach to neutralizing the tunnel infrastructure employed by the Palestinian terror group.
The exact timeline for the potential use of the pumps remains uncertain, and it is not clear whether Israel would consider activating them before securing the release of all hostages held by Hamas.
Responding to the report, a US official acknowledged that it would make sense for Israel to render the tunnels inoperable and mentioned that the country was exploring various methods to achieve this objective. Israel’s defence ministry has not responded immediately to requests for comments on the matter.
The Wall Street Journal noted that an official from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) declined to comment specifically on the flooding plan but emphasized the IDF’s commitment to dismantling Hamas’s terror capabilities through diverse military and technological tools.
The report indicated that Israel had informed the United States about the plan to flood the tunnels in Gaza last month. However, the proximity of the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to implementing the plan remains unclear.
Officials cited in the report emphasized that Israel has not made a final decision on whether to proceed with the flooding tactic or rule it out.
The move represents a unique and unconventional strategy in Israel’s ongoing efforts to counter the security threats posed by Hamas.
As tensions persist in the region, the deployment of flood-inducing pumps underscores the dynamic and adaptive nature of military tactics employed by nations facing complex and evolving security challenges.
The situation continues to unfold as Israel evaluates its options in the pursuit of dismantling Hamas’s terror infrastructure.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members