IDF Explains Expansion of Gaza Border Zone After Destroying Hamas Tunnel

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) revealed on Tuesday new details regarding its ongoing operation to destroy Hamas underground infrastructure in northern Gaza. A primary reason for expanding the "yellow line," or the operational zone east of the Gaza border, was the discovery of a significant 1.5-kilometer-long underground route, codenamed "Schwartz," which was destroyed in recent days. The IDF stated that the existence of this infrastructure was a key consideration for widening operational control in the area, aimed at protecting forces on the ground and communities near the border.

Engineering forces from the Southern Command, in conjunction with the Northern Brigade under Division 99, carried out the operation. The tunnel was destroyed in several sections, causing substantial damage to the structure and its surroundings. Soldiers continue to operate east of the yellow line to locate and eliminate additional terror infrastructure, weapons caches, and other threats in the area.

The IDF emphasized that numerous tunnels have been destroyed in the yellow line area since the ceasefire took effect. While some infrastructure was previously known to security forces, physical access and destruction were only possible after expanding operational control. The underground network remains a complex intelligence and operational challenge, with Hamas having operated with significant secrecy over the years.

To counter this, the IDF is investing extensive intelligence and technological efforts, including systematic drilling along the border, to improve tunnel detection and thwart future threats.