Israel has announced plans to destroy what remains of Hamas’s tunnel network under Gaza following the current hostage release phase, a move to be carried out with US approval.
Defence Minister Israel Katz said the mission would take place under an “international mechanism” led by the United States — the key sponsor of the newly implemented Gaza ceasefire.
“Israel’s great challenge after the hostage release phase will be the destruction of all Hamas terrorist tunnels in Gaza,” Katz said, emphasizing that he has instructed the army to prepare for the operation.
For years, Hamas has used an extensive underground network beneath Gaza to hide fighters, transport weapons, and carry out surprise attacks. Some of these tunnels even crossed into Israeli territory, enabling the group’s October 7, 2023, assault that sparked the ongoing two-year war.
Although many tunnels have already been destroyed, Katz stated that the remaining ones would be eliminated as part of a broader disarmament and demilitarization framework outlined in the next stages of the US-backed ceasefire plan.
Under the first stage of this agreement, which began with Friday’s ceasefire, Hamas has committed to releasing 48 Israeli hostages—both living and deceased—on Monday. In return, Israel will release around 250 “national security prisoners,” including several linked to deadly attacks, as well as 1,700 Gazans detained by the military.
Despite the progress, Hamas leaders have voiced skepticism about disarmament. Senior official Hossam Badran told AFP that the second stage of the plan “contains many complexities and difficulties,” suggesting that the path toward peace remains uncertain.
Beyond the politics and strategy, this moment represents a fragile hope — a chance for both sides to take small steps toward restoring humanity in the face of devastation. Every action, agreement, and decision now holds the weight of countless innocent lives waiting for a return to normalcy, safety, and dignity.
