IDF Denies Tunnel Discovery in Qalqilya After Police Claim

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated on Tuesday that following an operation in Qalqilya, two shafts approximately 12 meters deep were discovered. Weapons, including an M16 rifle, a hunting rifle, a handgun, and ammunition, were found near the shafts and confiscated by forces. In contrast to what the IDF described as "irresponsible official statements," a thorough investigation of the shafts concluded that no tunnel infrastructure was present, and the shafts were not located near the "Seam Zone" (the area between Israel and the West Bank).

This IDF clarification directly contradicts a statement released by the police the previous day. The police had announced that a tunnel, described as being in the excavation stages and at least 25 meters deep, was uncovered in Qalqilya during a joint operation involving the police and the Border Police (Magav).