Thread by @JewishSpaceLazr

🧵in depth analysis of Gaza tunnels by chair of urban war studies at West Point. Summary:

• Hamas does not have military sites separate from civilian sites
• scope of tunnels far greater than was known
• Hamas strategy is political not military

mwi.westpoint.edu/gazas-undergro…

Hamas has built a tunnel network to gain not just a military advantage, but a political advantage. Hamas weaved its vast tunnel networks into the society on the surface. Destroying the tunnels is virtually impossible without adversely impacting the population living in Gaza.

Hamas does not have military sites separate from civilian sites. Hamas’ strategy is not to hold terrain or defeat an attacking force. Its strategy is about time. It is about creating time for international pressure on Israel to stop its military operation to mount.

IDF and scholars estimated before war 300 miles of tunnels. The estimates were wrong. The new estimates say the network may include 450 miles of tunnels, with close to 5,700 separate shafts descending into hell.

Israeli forces have unearthed massive invasion tunnels two and a half miles long, underground manufacturing plants, luxury tunnels with painted walls, tile floors, ceiling fans, and air conditioning, and a complex, layered, labyrinth underneath all areas of Gaza.

construction cost estimated $1B incl blast doors, workshops, sleeping quarters, toilets, kitchens, and all the ventilation, electricity, and phone lines to support what amount to underground cities. As much as 6,000 tons of concrete and 1,800 tons of metals have been used.