Israel Plans to Dismantle Hamas Tunnel Network After Hostage Release
Israel plans to destroy Hamas tunnels with US-backed ceasefire.
As a fragile ceasefire takes hold in Gaza, Israel has announced a bold plan to dismantle Hamas’s sprawling network of underground tunnels once all hostages are released, a move backed by the United States. On Sunday, October 12, 2025, Defence Minister Israel Katz revealed that the Israeli military is gearing up for a comprehensive operation to eradicate the remaining tunnels, which have been a cornerstone of Hamas’s operations during the two-year conflict sparked by the group’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
Katz emphasized that the mission would unfold under an “international mechanism” led by the US, aligning with the broader framework of the ceasefire agreement that began on Friday. “Israel’s great challenge after the hostage release phase will be the destruction of all Hamas terrorist tunnels in Gaza,” Katz declared, adding that he has directed the army to prepare meticulously for this task. The tunnels, used by Hamas for covert operations and surprise cross-border assaults, have been partially destroyed during the conflict, but significant portions remain a strategic threat.
The ceasefire’s first phase, already underway, is set to see the release of 48 Israeli hostages—both living and deceased—starting Monday. In exchange, Israel will free 250 “national security prisoners,” including individuals linked to deadly attacks, and 1,700 Gazans detained by the military. However, the second phase, which involves Hamas’s disarmament and demilitarization, faces hurdles. Hamas official Hossam Badran told AFP on Sunday that this stage is fraught with “complexities and difficulties,” as the group resists calls to lay down arms.
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The tunnels, some stretching beneath the Israel-Gaza border, have enabled Hamas to evade Israeli surveillance and launch attacks, making their destruction a top priority for Israel. Katz’s statement underscores a broader vision of neutralizing Hamas’s military capabilities, a goal embedded in the US-backed ceasefire plan. Yet, with Hamas pushing back against disarmament, tensions loom over the plan’s next steps. As the ceasefire holds, the world watches whether Israel can execute its ambitious operation without reigniting the conflict, and whether Hamas will comply with the terms that could reshape Gaza’s future.
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