The IDF has uncovered extensive Hamas tunnel complexes, including a large underground headquarters with weapons and infrastructure.
They recovered the bodies of five hostages and continue to work on returning others.
In a statement, the IDF said: “In recent weeks, the 551st Brigade of the 162nd Division secured control of the area of the Jabalya camp – one of Hamas’ operational centers in the Gaza Strip. The operations included fierce battles during which many terrorists were killed by IDF soldiers and hundreds of weapons were located.”
The IDF reveals a large Hamas tunnel network in northern Gaza’s Jabaliya camp, where the bodies of five Israeli hostages were recovered earlier this month.
Troops of the 551st Brigade and Military Intelligence’s Unit 504 led the operation to retrieve the bodies of soldiers… pic.twitter.com/LDSM7I81yT
— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) December 24, 2023
“As part of the operation, and following advanced intelligence, the soldiers, in cooperation with the Multidimensional Unit and the Yahalom Unit, exposed a strategic tunnel network that served as Hamas’ northern headquarters in Gaza,” the statement continued.
“The underground headquarters, which included two levels – the first approximately 10 meters deep and the second dozens of meters deep.”
“The tunnel network, with many routes, was used for directing combat and the movement of terrorists. At the depth of the military headquarters, weapons, infrastructure for manufacturing weapons, and emergency hideouts were found. The network was connected to a shaft leading to the residence of the Commander of Hamas’ Northern Brigade, Ahmad Andur. The underground network also passed beneath a school and a hospital.”
Five hostages abducted on October 7th included: Warrant Officer Ziv Dado, Sergeant Ron Sherman, Corporal Nik Beizer, Eden Zacharia, and Elia Toledano.
“May their memory be a blessing,” the statement added.
The forces have also been dismantling the subterranean headquarters and recovering weapons and explosives, including in schools.
While Hamas rocket launches into Israel have decreased, the IDF’s counter-offensive continues.
