Pros:
1. Strategic advantage: Uncovering Hamas’ secret tunnel city can provide valuable intelligence for the Israeli military and increase their understanding of Hamas’ operational capabilities.
2. Enhanced security: Exposing and neutralizing the tunnel network can potentially enhance Israel’s national security by reducing the threat of surprise attacks and smuggling of weapons.
3. Disruption of Hamas operations: Destroying the tunnel city can hinder Hamas’ ability to carry out attacks by cutting off their supply routes and communication networks.
4. Deterrence: Taking proactive steps against Hamas’ tunnel network can serve as a deterrent, potentially discouraging other militant groups from pursuing similar tactics.
5. Protection of civilian lives: Eliminating the tunnel network can help safeguard Israeli civilians, as it can limit the ability of Hamas to infiltrate and carry out attacks from within Gaza.
Cons:
1. Operational complexity: Uncovering and neutralizing a tunnel network as extensive as Hamas’ can be a daunting and challenging task, requiring significant time, resources, and expertise.
2. Potential for civilian casualties: The process of targeting the tunnel network may result in unintended harm to innocent civilians, as they could be living or located in close proximity to these tunnels.
3. Escalation of hostilities: Offensive actions against Hamas’ tunnel city may provoke further retaliation and escalation of conflicts between Israel and Gaza.
4. Tunnel rebuilding: Even if the tunnel network is destroyed, there is a possibility that Hamas will invest resources to rebuild it, making any gains temporary.
5. International condemnation: Uncovering and targeting the tunnel city could draw criticism from international actors who view the actions as a violation of humanitarian norms or disproportionate use of force.
Israeli ground troops in Gaza face a daunting challenge, according to security sources. They will encounter a vast Hamas tunnel network spanning hundreds of kilometers and reaching depths of up to 80 meters. The underground labyrinth holds the potential for fierce encounters and unexpected dangers.
