ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Updated:

IDF troops discovered a vast subterranean tunnel complex built by Hamas under Khan Yunis on Wednesday, the IDF announced. Located by the Commando Unit, the Yahalom Combat Engineering Unit, and Special Forces units, the tunnel was connected to an extensive underground tunnel network beneath a civilian area in the city.

After investigating the tunnel, the IDF confirmed that Israeli hostages had been inside the tunnel. Millions of shekels are estimated to have been invested in excavating the tunnel and equipping it with air ventilation systems, electrical supply, and plumbing.

The IDF's 98th Division is simultaneously fighting underground and above ground in urban areas in the city. Engineering forces, the Yahalom Unit, special forces units and additional troops are leading the effort to locate tunnels, investigate and dismantle them with advanced technology and operational means.


During underground combat, the forces located more than 300 tunnel shafts, some leading to significant tunnels, tactical shafts, and underground areas, which are used as weapons storage facilities and combat areas.


Weapons located by IDF troops in Al-Maghazi, January 10 2024.
Weapons located by IDF troops in Al-Maghazi, January 10 2024. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

As IDF soldiers continued operations in central Gaza, several terrorists were identified and killed by air strikes and live fire in the region on Wednesday, the IDF spokesperson unit reported. 

According to the statement, the IDF carried out intense operations in Al-Maghazi and Khan Yunis on Wednesday.

In one operation, Golani soldiers identified an armed terrorist cell and eliminated it as the terrorists were exiting a tunnel. The IDF located them using aerial surveillance and were eliminated with an airstrike. 

Weapons were found in the family home of a terrorist

The three terrorists exiting the tunnel were carrying AK-47s. In the operation, the IDF soldiers located weapons in the family home of one of the terrorists.

In another operation in the area of Al-Maghazi, troops identified eight terrorists who were heading in the direction of a school known to be used for terrorist activities. These terrorists were killed by precise sniper fire. 

In the area of Khan Yunis, IDF troops identified three terrorists exiting a compound filled with weapons. This terrorist cell was eliminated using an airstrike.

Also in Khan Yunis, IDF soldiers identified two terrorists placing an explosive device on the ground, and killed them on the spot.

Later on, two more terrorists were identified entering a compound. One went up on a rooftop in order to scout IDF troops. Both terrorists were killed in airstrikes.

In another operation in Khan Yunis, following anti-tank missiles fired at IDF troops, the troops struck the terrorist infrastructure from which the missiles were fired.