A Palestinian youth is seen walking through a tunnel used for military exercises during a Hamas-run camp in 2016. According to Hamas, they have constructed 300 miles of tunnels under Gaza. These tunnels serve as a multi-purpose military compound. However, these underground passageways pose a significant challenge for Israeli troops. They are dark, claustrophobic, and narrow, causing disorientation and fear among those who enter. Hamas has been building these tunnels for the past 20 years, and their vast expansion reflects an intelligence failure on Israel’s part. With Israeli ground troops now in Gaza, the tunnels have become a key factor in the fighting. Israel has spotted Hamas militants emerging from the tunnels and has targeted them with airstrikes. However, there is a concern that Hamas is holding hostages underground, complicating Israel’s mission. In addition, Israel accuses Hamas of operating from beneath Gaza’s largest hospital, which Hamas vehemently denies. Both sides accuse each other of endangering civilians. Israel has taken steps to combat the tunnels, including upgrading their border fence and forming specialized detection and combat units. However, the terrain still presents significant risks, and most military doctrines recommend against sending troops into the tunnels. Israel will likely use a combination of methods, including bunker-busting bombs and water hoses, to destroy the tunnels. However, this task is challenging and time-consuming. Five years ago, it took Israel six weeks to demolish just five tunnels built by Hezbollah.