A spiderweb of Hamas tunnels in Gaza Strip raises risks for an Israeli ground offensive

By JON GAMBRELL and ISABEL DEBRE
Associated Press

JERUSALEM (AP) — As an Israeli ground offensive in the Gaza Strip looms in its war with Hamas, one of the greatest threats to both its troops and all those trapped in the seaside enclave is hidden underground. An extensive labyrinth of tunnels built by Hamas stretches across the dense neighborhoods of Gaza City and elsewhere, hiding militants, their missile arsenal and over 200 hostages taken in an unprecedented Oct. 7 attack on Israel. Clearing those tunnels will be crucial if Israel seeks to dismantle Hamas as its military and political leaders describe. But fighting underground will strip the Israelis largely of the technological advantages its military holds while giving an edge to Hamas both above and below ground.