The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have released a video depicting what they describe as one of Hamas’s “most complex” subterranean infrastructures, extending beneath Rafah, a city in southern Gaza.

The IDF states that this seven-kilometer-long “root tunnel” extends approximately 25 meters underground, features around 80 rooms, and was utilized for command operations, weapons storage, and as a refuge for Hamas operatives.

The video, posted on X on November 20, navigates through reinforced concrete passageways and expansive chambers, illustrating the intricate design and sheer scale of the network.

The Israeli military asserts that the tunnel originated beneath a United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) compound and continued under civilian areas.

An accompanying post read: “IDF troops uncovered one of Gaza’s largest and most complex underground routes, over 7 km long, ~25 meters deep, with ~80 hideouts, where abducted IDF officer Lt. Hadar Goldin was held.”

Israeli analysts suggest that the destruction of this tunnel represents a significant strategic blow to Hamas, potentially “paving the path to its defeat.”

Professor Kobi Michael, a senior researcher at both the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) and the Misgav Institute, commented, “The destruction of this tunnel as well as many others like it or similar… as well as other terror facilities pushes Hamas to the edge.”

He further informed Digital that, “It is one of the longest and [most] complicated tunnels that have been discovered, but it is not the only one.”

Michael elaborated that these tunnels form the fundamental structure of Hamas’s underground warfare system.

“This is an example of a root tunnel, a strategic one that feeds many tactic tunnels and is used for strategic purposes [such] as command and control, weapon storage, manufacturing platforms of weapon[s] and strategic logistics,” he explained.

He added that, “Such a tunnel is usually manned by hundreds of militants and commanders.”

The IDF suspects this specific tunnel network may have been connected to the area where Lt. Hadar Goldin was held captive. Hamas repatriated Goldin’s remains earlier this month, more than a decade after his abduction.

The revelation of the tunnel brings new understanding to the full extent of Hamas’s underground operations.

“I have no idea about the cost but if you take into consideration the amount of the building materials, labor and facilities and its length, it is a matter of millions of INS,” he claimed. He also stated, “Hamas chose routes under sensitive civilian and humanitarian facilities in order to prevent the IDF from attacking the tunnel.”

The eradication of Hamas’s tunnel networks remains a critical element of the strategy aimed at dismantling the group’s military capabilities and preventing future attacks.

In 2014, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared his intent to destroy these tunnels, which Hamas had used to infiltrate Israeli territory, stating he would do so “with or without a ceasefire.”

According to a 2023 investigation by Reuters, Hamas had previously indicated its use of the tunnels to conceal hostages seized during its October 7 attack on Israel.

Israel’s military reported that its ground forces have uncovered approximately 1,500 Hamas tunnels and shafts across the Gaza Strip.