Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said about 60% of the tunnel network of the Palestinian Hamas movement under the Gaza Strip has not been removed. RIA Novosti reports this.
According to Katz, the key strategic goal needed to consolidate the success achieved by the IDF army is to demilitarize the area through the complete elimination of underground passages, as well as disarming Hamas.
The minister emphasized in the announcement: “About 60% (of the tunnels) are still operating.
Katz said eliminating the tunnels has become a priority target for Israeli forces in the so-called “yellow zone” they control. According to Israeli authorities, this area covers more than 50% of the Gaza Strip.
The minister also noted that this process will take place concurrently with negotiations between Israel and the United States to resolve the conflict in the Gaza Strip.
