The IDF revealed that soldiers have uncovered the underground tunnel system where abducted IDF officer Lt. Hadar Goldin was held captive, describing it as one of the largest and most complex tunnel routes ever found in Gaza.

The operation, led by the Southern Command with forces from Yahalom and Shayetet 13, exposed a sprawling tunnel network stretching more than 7 kilometers and descending to a depth of approximately 25 meters. The route runs beneath a densely populated neighborhood near the Philadelphi Corridor and continues under sensitive civilian sites, including a UNRWA compound, mosques, clinics, kindergartens, and schools.

Inside the tunnel, troops discovered around 80 hideouts, including command-and-control rooms used by senior Hamas terrorists for long-term stays, weapons storage, and planning attacks against IDF forces. Among those who used the tunnel was Mohammad Shabaneh, the Hamas commander of the Rafah Brigade.

IDF forces from the 162nd Division and the Gaza Division secured the surrounding area to allow specialized units to enter and operate within the underground system.

The IDF said Southern Command forces will continue operating across Gaza to dismantle remaining terror infrastructure and eliminate threats to Israeli civilians.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)