Israeli forces destroy Hamas tunnel, uncovers rocket site in ongoing Gaza operations VIDEO

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continue their active operations in the northern Gaza Strip, with troops from the 252nd Division focused on expanding Israel’s buffer zone with Gaza.

The military has reported significant successes as part of its ongoing efforts, which began on March 18, Caliber.Az reports per Israeli media.

In a recent development, the elite Yahalom combat engineering unit destroyed a Hamas tunnel in the Beit Lahiya area, measuring at least one kilometer in length. In addition to the tunnel destruction, IDF troops uncovered a rocket manufacturing site and several rocket launchers during the operation.

As part of the ongoing offensive, the IDF has neutralized over 50 terror operatives in the northern and central regions of Gaza. The military’s focus has been on targeting senior Hamas political figures, mid-level military commanders, and key infrastructure, including weapon depots and rocket launchers. Additionally, members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad and other terrorist groups have also been targeted.

The IDF has reiterated its commitment to minimizing civilian casualties during its operations, while accusing Hamas of embedding itself within civilian infrastructure to shield its operations. The current military efforts aim to further degrade Hamas’ military capabilities and disrupt the terror group’s infrastructure in Gaza.

The Israel Defense Forces have named their ongoing military campaign “Force and Sword,” with intense shelling reported across multiple areas of the Gaza Strip, including Gaza City, Khan Younis, and Rafah. According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, many of the casualties are women and children, continuing a tragic pattern since the onset of the conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the escalation was ordered due to the lack of progress in extending the ceasefire negotiations. He accused Hamas of repeatedly refusing to release Israeli hostages and rejecting proposals made by US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.

The stalemate in negotiations for a truce’s second phase was somewhat expected, given the original ceasefire terms agreed upon on January 18. Under intense pressure from then-President-elect Joe Biden, Netanyahu had agreed to the ceasefire, which included provisions for further talks after a six-week phase and the possibility of Israel resuming military operations if deemed necessary.

The negotiations for a truce extension ultimately collapsed on March 2 when Hamas rejected Witkoff’s plan. In retaliation, Netanyahu announced a new blockade on humanitarian aid to Gaza. The US government confirmed that it was informed in advance about Israel’s decision to resume hostilities and approved the attack. White House spokesperson Brian Hughes emphasized that Hamas could have extended the ceasefire by releasing hostages but instead chose to persist in its denial and warfare.

By Vafa Guliyeva