Israeli combat engineers dismantled a 1.5 km-long tunnel in Khan Yunis, the Israel Defense Forces said. The 603rd Battalion and Yahalom unit of the IDF found an operational Hamas facility, complete with weapons and long-term supplies, inside the tunnel. The terrorists fled the tunnel as the soldiers entered it.
Meanwhile, the 7th Brigade Combat Team has increased pressure in the Gaza Strip, with operations performed in Khan Yunis and on the outskirts of Deir al-Balah. Their activity has brought about killing terrorists, destruction of above- and underground combat structures, and uncovering a site with many rockets, launchers, and anti-tank missiles.
At least 1,200 lives have been lost in this conflict, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were abducted as a result of the attack launched on October 7 by Hamas against the Israeli communities at the border. Of the total of 111 hostages held, 39 are known to have been killed. The 2014 and 2015 civilian abductees from Israel are still in captivity under Hamas hands. To this date, two soldiers killed that year are also being held in remains by Hamas.
