Israel Expands Buffer Zone in Gaza, Majority of Hamas Tunnels Remain Intact

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have made substantial progress in southern Gaza with minimal combat, broadening their buffer zone along the border, and launching over 1,000 airstrikes against Hamas, resulting in the elimination of more than 40 of its leaders and the discovery of numerous tunnels. However, only about a quarter of Hamas’s tunnels have been destroyed, according to security sources.

In the strategic Morag Corridor between Rafah and Khan Younis, which spans roughly 15 kilometers from Sufa to the coastal strip, parallel to the Philadelphi Corridor along the Egypt-Gaza border, the IDF has expanded its control. Despite these advancements, many smuggling tunnels between Egypt and Gaza remain operational, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.

The military has destroyed approximately 25% of Hamas’s tunnels in Gaza, concentrating on those used for attacks, command, and weapons manufacturing, with many in these having been destroyed. The extensive tunnel network used for movement within the Strip, however, largely remains intact.

The contentious Philadelphia Corridor along the Egypt-Gaza border continues to be a focal point due to ongoing concerns about weapons smuggling.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, speaking at a conference in February, noted, “I saw with my own eyes quite a few tunnels crossing into Egypt; some were closed, and several were open,” as reported by N12. He also revealed that there was intelligence indicating Hamas’s intentions to attack Israeli soldiers and settlements during the ceasefire.

During a visit to the Morag Corridor, Katz emphasized that the offensive’s goal is to “increase the pressure on Hamas for the sake of releasing the hostages” and to lay the groundwork for Israel’s strategy to “defeat Hamas.” He also highlighted the “great achievements” of the IDF in the ongoing conflict, including evacuating civilians in Rafah and encircling the city. Nonetheless, these achievements have not significantly impacted Hamas thus far.

Talks to release the 59 hostages held by Hamas have stalled, with Hamas fighters largely avoiding direct engagements with Israeli forces.

Katz also mentioned that the IDF’s offensive would “immediately” cease if a hostage deal were reached. However, he noted that the military is preparing for “the big move,” involving the mobilization of numerous reservists aimed at decisively defeating Hamas, stating, “This will happen eventually.”

Despite being reduced to approximately 20,000 active fighters—half of its strength prior to the conflict—Hamas continues to recruit and replenish its weapons supplies actively. With no signs of surrender, Hamas is gearing up for a significant battle, which could endanger the 24 remaining living hostages.

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