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IDF destroys cross-border tunnel from Gaza Strip
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced yesterday that it destroyed an underground tunnel from the Gaza Strip built to infiltrate into Israel.
The tunnel was located a few weeks ago by Israeli intelligence and operational personnel and stretched one kilometre inside Israeli territory. It is the second discovery by the IDF of such a Israel in the last six weeks. The IDF spokesman, Lieutenant-Colonel Jonathan Conricus, said it demonstrated a “significant effort by Hamas” to enter Israeli territory.
The IDF warned Hamas that underground tunnels will become a “death trap” for terrorists. GOC Southern Command Maj. Gen. Eyal accused Hamas of “systematically violating Israel’s sovereignty,” adding that their actions are causing an escalation of violence on the border.
“The tunnel constitutes a grave and unacceptable violation of Israeli sovereignty. The IDF will continue to apply all means at its disposal above and below ground to thwart attempts to attack the citizens of the State of Israel. The IDF remains prepared for a wide variety of scenarios – but does not wish to escalate the situation,” said the IDF.
In related news, violence continued in the Gaza Strip over the weekend as Palestinians protested against US President Trump’s declaration recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital last Wednesday. Major riots broke out at six points along the border with thousands of Palestinians attempting to break through the border fence and enter Israeli territory. Two Palestinians were killed when they broke through the fence.
Seven missiles were fired from the Gaza Strip toward southern Israel over the weekend. One missiles exploded in a kindergarten in the centre of Sderot, damaging the building but causing no injuries. Another missile was intercepted by the Iron Dome anti-missile system. The army said it will investigate why the first missile was not intercepted.
In response, the Israeli Air Force targeted four facilities belonging to Hamas, two weapons manufacturing sites, a weapons warehouse, and a military training ground. Two Hamas fighters were reportedly killed in the strikes.
Maj. Gen Yoav Mordechai, the military liaison to the Palestinians, warned on Saturday that further missile fire from the Gaza Strip towards Israel would be met with a “severe and painful response”.