How Does Israel Handle HAMAS' Tunnel Network in Gaza?

Since 2007, Hamas has built over 1,300 tunnels in Gaza, some reaching depths of 30-40 meters, to protect their elements and conceal rocket batteries. Following the latest attack by Hamas, Israel is now focusing on dismantling Gaza's expansive tunnel network before initiating a ground operation.

Israel has sought to neutralize Hamas-built tunnels in Gaza through methods like combat engineering and an underground border wall. In the 2008–2009 Gaza War, it allegedly deployed the GBU-28 bunker-buster bomb, which uses simple physics to penetrate 100 feet of earth with its 4,637-pound frame and 630 pounds of high explosives. Guided by lasers and equipped with smart fuzes to detonate post-penetration, the GBU-28 inflicts massive damage on targets and surroundings. Israel, having reportedly requested the advanced GBU-72 bomb from the US in 2021, potentially utilizes it in campaigns despite unconfirmed acquisition, leveraging its enhanced fuse system and capacity to induce wider-range subterranean destruction.