Israel admitted that it is now flooding Gaza tunnels, which it claims to be used by Hamas terrorists, despite the recent warnings from the United States and other Western countries.
This was confirmed by the Israel Defense Forces on Tuesday, Jan. 30, saying that they began pumping large volumes of water into the tunnels.
In this picture taken during a media tour organized by the Israeli military on December 15, 2023, an Israeli soldier exits a tunnel that Hamas reportedly used to attack Israel through the Erez border crossing on October 7.
The latest announcement of the IDF broke the silence of the Israeli government regarding this issue as officials kept quiet regarding this alleged plan.
Now, IDF leaders confirmed that they are using this alarming tactic, although it could risk the lives of civilians in the Gaza Strip.
Israel Admits Flooding Gaza Tunnels Despite US Warning
The Israel Defense Forces said that it is flooding these underground tunnels to stop Hamas's terrorist infrastructure.
"The pumping of water was only carried out in tunnel routes and locations that were suitable, matching the method of operation to each case," said the IDF via ABC News.
"This project was developed following combat procedures, accelerated force-building efforts, and while training forces with technological expertise," added the Israeli military.
IDF officials said that the flooding tool they are using represents a significant technological and engineering breakthrough in fighting the underground terror infrastructure's threat.
They added that it is the result of a collaborative effort between Israel's numerous security establishment bodies. According to the New York Post's latest report, footage was even published showing how IDF pumps seawater into a Hamas tunnel.
Why US is Against Flooding of Gaza Tunnels
Overview of a tunnel built underground by Hamas militants leading from the Gaza Strip into Southern Israel, seen on August 4, 2014 near the Israeli Gaza border, Israel. As Operation Protective Edge enters its 28th day, the Israeli mission of demolishing Hamas tunnels comes to a close and ground forces returned from Gaza.
Recently, U.S. officials said shared their concerns regarding the flooding plans of Israel against the tunnels used by the Palestinian terrorist group.
They explained that pumping seawater into these underground tunnels could threaten the lives of innocent civilians trapped in the Gaza Strip.
But, the ones mostly at risk here are the hostages who are still being held by Hamas terrorists; around 100 hostages are still under the hands of these Palestinian militants.
Aside from U.S. government leaders, some experts also warned that pumping large volumes of seawater into Gaza tunnels can have negative effects on the limited water supply in the Palestinian territory.
Another issue with this military tactic is that it could pollute the soil with hazardous materials from Hamas' weapons that are hidden in the Gaza tunnels.
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