The Decoding of Hamas’s Tunnel Network: Strategy and Myth Debunked

In recent years, the use of tunnels by Hamas has raised significant concerns and debates regarding their actual purpose and implications. The idea that these tunnels are built solely for defensive purposes against Israeli airstrikes is often dismissed as a simplistic and misleading narrative. This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the true objectives and strategies of Hamas’s extensive tunnel network, backed by factual evidence and expert insights.

Hamas’s Objective: Eradicating the Nation of Israel and Jewish People Worldwide

The primary mission of Hamas is twofold: to destroy the state of Israel and to eradicate all Jews worldwide. This objective is not a secret and is openly expressed by Hamas’s leaders and ideologues. The tunnels they have constructed are not just defensive constructions, but strategic assets in furtherance of their broader goals.

Propaganda and Misdirection

Ironically, criticism often shifts the blame to other actors, as seen in the notion that Israeli attacks are justified because Hamas misleads about potential civilian casualties. It is crucial to understand that Hamas itself is not solely responsible for the lack of shelter for civilians but also propagates a narrative that downplays the importance of protecting civilians. In reality, the tunnels serve multiple purposes, including the movement of fighters, weapons, and supplies in a concealed manner.

Tunnel Construction and Strategic Advantages

Contrary to popular belief, the extensive network of tunnels built by Hamas is designed to serve strategic advantages rather than merely defensive purposes. Tunnel systems offer several critical benefits:

Protection from Airstrikes: Tunnels cannot be seen from the air, making them difficult targets for aerial bombardment. Bunkers, on the other hand, can be identified and targeted with bunker buster munitions.

Surprise Attacks: Tunnels enable Hamas to launch surprise attacks by moving fighters and deploying weapons undetected, maintaining a level of operational secrecy.

Command Centers and Supply Storage: Tunnels can house command centers and provide safe storage for weapons and supplies, enhancing their ability to maintain a robust presence underground.

Hamas officials have explicitly stated that civilians are not their primary concern. In fact, a high civilian death toll is seen by Hamas as a beneficial outcome in their geopolitical strategy. This perspective contradicts the notion that tunnels are built with the sole aim of protecting civilians.

The Advantages of Tunnels Over Bunkers

While it may seem logical to assume that constructing bunkers would be more advantageous due to their defensive properties, the use of bunker buster weapons makes this approach less effective:

Bunker Busters: Modern airstrikes include bunker buster bombs that are specifically designed to penetrate deeply into underground structures. These bombs, like the BLU-109 configured as a JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition), are mounted on aircraft such as the F-16I “Sufa” of the Israeli Air Force. These weapons can easily detect and destroy bunkers.

Undetected Movements: Tunnels, being underground, are less likely to be detected by aerial surveillance. This makes it harder for Israeli forces to identify and target Hamas’s movements and installations.

Operational Flexibility: Tunnels provide a degree of operational flexibility that bunkers do not. Fighters and weapons can be moved freely within the tunnel network, allowing for rapid response to changing battle conditions.

Furthermore, the use of tunnels aligns with Hamas’s broader strategy of remaining hidden and elusive, which contributes to their overall military resilience.

Conclusion

The extensive tunnel network constructed by Hamas serves as a strategic asset rather than a simple defensive measure against Israeli airstrikes. While some may argue that proper bunkers would provide better protection, the use of modern weaponry like bunker busters undermines this approach. Instead, the network of tunnels offers Hamas operational advantages, including the ability to remain hidden, launch surprise attacks, and maintain command centers and supply storage.

Understanding the true purpose and strategic value of these tunnels is crucial for a nuanced analysis of the geopolitical situation in the region. By acknowledging these facts, we can better comprehend the complex dynamics at play and the motivations behind Hamas's actions.