IDF: 1.5-kilometer tunnel was key reason for expanding yellow line in Gaza

The IDF revealed today details of the destruction of an underground Hamas infrastructure about 1.5 kilometers long in northern Gaza, codenamed 'Schwarz,' and clarified that locating it was one of the main reasons for expanding the yellow line in the area.

According to the IDF, the tunnel codenamed 'Schwarz' was discovered in the expanded area following the extension of the yellow line, and its very existence was one of the central considerations for expanding operational control in the area, designed to protect forces in the field and the communities in the Gaza periphery. The tunnel was destroyed in recent days in several sections, causing significant damage to the infrastructure and its surroundings.

The operation was carried out by forces of the Northern Brigade under Division 99, in coordination with engineering forces from Southern Command. The fighters continue to operate east of the yellow line to locate and destroy additional terrorist infrastructure, along with weapons caches and other threats in the area.

The IDF emphasized that since the ceasefire took effect, many tunnels have been destroyed in the yellow line area. According to the military, some of the infrastructure was previously known to the security establishment, but only after expanding operational control was it possible to physically expose and destroy them.

The IDF also noted that underground infrastructure continues to be a complex intelligence and operational challenge, and Hamas has operated over the years while significantly concealing its activities. Therefore, according to the military, the IDF is investing extensive intelligence and technological efforts, including systematic drilling along the line, in order to increase certainty in locating tunnels and prevent future threats.