Hundreds of tunnel shafts discovered in Rafah with some crossing into Egypt: IDF report

The Israel Defense Forces said they discovered nearly 700 tunnel shafts in Rafah, with some crossing into Egypt. 

Israeli Deputy Attorney General Gilad Noam explained the findings at the International Court of Justice.

“Rafah, in particular, is a focal point for ongoing terrorist activity. It is a stronghold for Hamas’ operators with several battalions belonging to the Rafah brigades entrenched in the area,” he said, according to The Daily Wire.

“Also present in Rafah,” said Noam, “is an intricate underground tunnel infrastructure that runs underneath the city and provides ample space for operators, command and control rooms, and military equipment.”

“Nearly 700 tunnel shafts have been identified in Rafah from which approximately 50 tunnels cross into Egypt,” he added. “These tunnels are used by Hamas to supply itself with weapons and ammunition. It could potentially be used to smuggle out Gaza hostages or Hamas senior operators.” 

Earlier this year, the IDF released a report stating that they found a tunnel network that runs partly under UNRWA's Gaza headquarters.

The report stated that the tunnel is 700 meters long with side rooms and an office space.

Israel is reportedly preparing to carry out an invasion in Rafah as it continues its war with Hamas.