One of Israel’s stated aims in launching its now three-week offensive in the Gaza Strip was to destroy a complex network of tunnels that are essential to the survival of ruling Hamas and threaten the lives of Israeli civilians. By Wednesday, the military has uncovered 32 of these often highly sophisticated passageways.
Many of the tunnels connecting Gaza to southern Israel are dozens of feet underground, and come complete with reinforced concrete walls, electricity and rails for trolleys. While some are aimed at sheltering fighters inside Gaza, others are offensive, and would allow militants to cross into Israel and kidnap and kill citizens and soldiers.
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