According to US media reports, Israeli forces are testing the flooding of Islamist Hamas tunnels in the Gaza Strip. Seawater is being pumped into some tunnels to determine whether the method can be used to destroy the underground system on a large scale, according to a US official familiar with the matter.
Israel has informed the US that only tunnels in which no hostages are suspected will be flooded, the American television channel CNN and the “Wall Street Journal” report. The US National Security Council and the Israeli Defense Forces initially did not comment on the reports when asked by the German news agency.
Biden is concerned
On Tuesday, US President Joe Biden was asked about the flooding at a press conference. He replied: “It is very difficult as far as the flooding of the tunnels is concerned: it is said that there are certainly no hostages in these tunnels. But I don’t know that for sure.” He then added: “What I know for sure: every death of civilians is an absolute tragedy.”
Bold action for potential hostages
Israeli Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi recently described the idea of flooding the extensive tunnel system with seawater as a good idea. According to the Israeli military, Hamas has built an extensive tunnel system under the Gaza Strip.
The length is estimated at about 500 kilometers. However, the Israeli army believes that many of the 135 hostages kidnapped from Israel are also being held in the tunnels.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
