Israeli Army “Changes Combat Tactics” in Gaza’s Tunnels

The Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported on Friday, September 6, 2024, citing officials, that the Israeli army has “decided to change its tactics” used in fighting within Gaza’s tunnels to safeguard the lives of Israeli captives, following the death of six captives inside a tunnel about a week ago.

Israeli officials clarified that the combat will “become more challenging and complex,” as Hamas’ message in executing the captives was clear: if the Israeli army continues its underground operations, it risks the lives of the captives before reaching them.

Last Sunday, the Israeli army announced the recovery of the bodies of six captives from a tunnel in southern Gaza, where they were apparently killed “shortly before Israeli forces reached them.”

The initial investigation by the Israeli army into the deaths of the six captives revealed that Hamas operatives monitoring the tunnel identified the Israeli soldiers advancing toward them, prompting the operatives to execute the captives and flee the scene.

The army claimed that after discovering the captives’ bodies, they found evidence on the ground indicating that Hamas monitors were observing Israeli soldiers in real time. Among other precautions, the Israeli army now avoids entering areas with live intelligence about captives, ensuring the data is relayed in real time to field units.

In a statement released by the political bureau member of Hamas, Izzat al-Risheq, he confirmed that the Israeli captives found in Gaza were “killed by continuous Israeli bombardment on the Strip.”

The statement, posted on the movement’s Telegram account, came hours after the Israeli army announced the discovery of six Israeli captives’ bodies in Gaza, alleging they were “executed by Hamas.”

Al-Risheq emphasized that “the true cause of death for our people and the captives is the occupation, armed with American weapons. The captives found in Gaza were only killed due to the ongoing Zionist bombardment.”

He added, “If President Joe Biden cares about the lives of Israeli captives, he should stop supporting the enemy with money and weapons and pressure the occupation to end its aggression immediately.”

Earlier, on Tuesday, The New York Times revealed new details about Hamas’ tunnel-building tactics, which may explain the Israeli army’s continued difficulties in dismantling Hamas’ military capabilities.

The report highlighted a manual dating back to 2019, discovered by Israeli forces during the ongoing Gaza war, which the American newspaper reviewed.

The manual outlines detailed preparations for an underground military operation capable of enduring prolonged wars and slowing down Israeli ground forces inside the dark tunnels.

It includes instructions on how to conceal tunnel entrances, locate them using compasses or GPS, and move quickly and efficiently underground.