JERUSALEM. In a significant development, the Israeli military announced on Wednesday that it had uncovered a major Hamas command center in the heart of Gaza City. This discovery is considered a serious blow to the Islamic militant group as international pressure mounts on Israel to de-escalate its ongoing military offensive in the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli army revealed that it exposed the hub of an extensive underground network utilized by Hamas to facilitate the movement of weapons, militants, and supplies across the Gaza Strip. The destruction of these tunnels has been a key objective of Israel’s military offensive.
This revelation coincided with the arrival of Hamas’ top leader in Egypt for talks aimed at brokering a temporary cease-fire and negotiating a new agreement for the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.
Despite international calls for a cease-fire, Israeli leaders have reiterated their commitment to the two-month-old offensive, launched in response to a cross-border attack by Hamas in October that resulted in the death of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of 240 others.
The extensive offensive has inflicted widespread devastation in northern Gaza, resulting in the deaths of nearly 20,000 Palestinians and displacing approximately 1.9 million people, constituting nearly 85% of the population.
Hamas militants have recently demonstrated fierce resistance against Israeli ground troops, maintaining their stronghold in southern Gaza and continuing daily rocket attacks into Israel.
While the United States, Israel’s closest ally, has affirmed Israel’s right to self-defense, Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a strong statement urging Israel to reduce the intensity of its operations. Blinken emphasized the need for “more targeted operations” focused on specific Hamas targets, including leaders and the tunnel network, with the aim of minimizing harm to civilians.
The Israeli military, in a rare move, escorted local reporters to Palestine Square in Gaza City, showcasing what it claims to be the epicenter of Hamas’ tunnel network. Military commanders asserted that they had uncovered offices, tunnels, and elevators used by top Hamas leaders. Videos were released showcasing underground facilities, including a wheelchair allegedly belonging to Hamas’ military commander, Mohammed Deif, who has not been seen in public for years.
Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the army’s chief spokesman, stated that a vast underground complex had been located, used routinely by Hamas during emergencies and the beginning of the conflict. He indicated that the tunnels extended across Gaza and reached major hospitals, although these claims could not be independently verified.
Hagari also revealed that Israel was winding down its operations in northern Gaza but acknowledged a significant misstep in the mistaken shooting of three Israelis held hostage. An investigation found that a military search dog with a body camera had captured audio of the hostages shouting for help in Hebrew five days before the shooting. The recording was not reviewed until after the hostages were killed.
The Israeli military’s current focus is on southern Gaza, where it believes Hamas leaders are hiding. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed in a video statement, “We will continue the war until the end. It will continue until Hamas is destroyed, until victory. Whoever thinks we will stop is detached from reality.”
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
