As a fragile ceasefire takes hold in Gaza, Israel has announced a bold plan to dismantle Hamas\u2019s sprawling network of underground tunnels once all hostages are released, a move backed by the United States. On Sunday, October 12, 2025, Defence Minister Israel Katz revealed that the Israeli military is gearing up for a comprehensive operation to eradicate the remaining tunnels, which have been a cornerstone of Hamas\u2019s operations during the two-year conflict sparked by the group\u2019s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.<\/p>\n
Katz emphasized that the mission would unfold under an \u201cinternational mechanism\u201d led by the US, aligning with the broader framework of the ceasefire agreement that began on Friday. \u201cIsrael\u2019s great challenge after the hostage release phase will be the destruction of all Hamas terrorist tunnels in Gaza,\u201d Katz declared, adding that he has directed the army to prepare meticulously for this task. The tunnels, used by Hamas for covert operations and surprise cross-border assaults, have been partially destroyed during the conflict, but significant portions remain a strategic threat.<\/p>\n
The ceasefire\u2019s first phase, already underway, is set to see the release of 48 Israeli hostages\u2014both living and deceased\u2014starting Monday. In exchange, Israel will free 250 \u201cnational security prisoners,\u201d including individuals linked to deadly attacks, and 1,700 Gazans detained by the military. However, the second phase, which involves Hamas\u2019s disarmament and demilitarization, faces hurdles. Hamas official Hossam Badran told AFP on Sunday that this stage is fraught with \u201ccomplexities and difficulties,\u201d as the group resists calls to lay down arms.<\/p>\n