The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Friday that it had located a short underground tunnel near a hospital in the West Bank city of Tulkarem, as part of an ongoing counter-terrorism operation. The tunnel, which had an entrance but no exit, was still under construction, according to the military.
The IDF said that troops would investigate the tunnel and then destroy it, as part of its efforts to dismantle terror infrastructure in the West Bank. The discovery of the tunnel is a rare occurrence in the West Bank, where the IDF regularly operates to demolish terror infrastructure.
In contrast, Hamas has built a vast tunnel network under the Gaza Strip, which has been a key challenge for the Israeli military in its ongoing war against the militant group. The tunnel network, which includes both attack tunnels and smuggling tunnels, has been used by Hamas to launch attacks against Israeli civilians and military personnel.
The discovery of the tunnel in Tulkarem is a significant development, as it highlights the ongoing efforts of Palestinian militant groups to build and maintain terror infrastructure in the West Bank. The IDF has been working to dismantle this infrastructure, through a combination of military operations and intelligence gathering.
The tunnel was discovered near a hospital in Tulkarem, which is a city located in the northern West Bank. The hospital is a major medical facility in the area, and it is not clear whether the tunnel was intended to be used for military purposes or for other reasons.
The IDF has not released any information about the group or individuals responsible for building the tunnel, but it is likely that the tunnel was built by a Palestinian militant group. The tunnel’s discovery is a reminder of the ongoing security challenges facing Israel in the West Bank, and the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between Israeli and Palestinian security forces.
The Palestinian Authority’s Silence
The Palestinian Authority has not commented on the discovery of the tunnel, but it is likely that the PA will face pressure from Israel to take action against the group or individuals responsible for building the tunnel. The PA has been working to strengthen its security forces and improve its ability to combat terrorism in the West Bank, but it still faces significant challenges in this area.
The discovery of the tunnel is also likely to raise concerns about the potential for future attacks against Israeli civilians and military personnel. The tunnel’s location near a hospital is particularly concerning, as it could have been used to launch an attack against the hospital or other nearby targets.
