The Israeli army has dismantled the army tunnel structure by Hamas in the north of the Gaza Strip, with Jabalia as its center, where They found the bodies of five hostages of which had already been confirmed dead.

“In recent weeks, the 551st Brigade of the 162nd Division has secured control of the Jabalia camp area, one of Hamas’s operational centers in the Gaza Strip,” a statement said.

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The operations included “fierce battles” in which “many terrorists were killed by soldiers” and hundreds of weapons were located, Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari said.

The bodies found match those of three soldiers captured on October 7, Ziv Dado, Ron Sherman and Nick Beiser, as well as civilians Eden Zacharias and Elia Toledano.

“As part of the operation and in response to advanced intelligence information (…), They uncovered a network of strategic tunnels that served as Hamas headquarters in northern Gazathe army said.

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Soldiers visit a tunnel that Hamas allegedly used to attack Israel through the Erez border crossing on October 7. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP)

The underground base in Yabalia included two levels: the first about ten meters deep and the second tens of meters deep.

“The network of tunnels, with numerous routes, was used to direct the battle and movement of terrorists. Weapons, weapons production infrastructure and emergency shelters were found in the depths of the military barracks,” a military statement said.

The network was connected to a well leading to the residence of Hamas Northern Brigade commander Ahmad Andur, and also ran under a school and a hospital.

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Regarding the discovery of the bodies of those abducted in the tunnels, the military indicated that the information had been presented to the families and expressed their condolences.

“Israeli forces, in coordination with other security organizations, continue to act through a variety of operational and intelligence means to return the hostages,” the military said.

At the end of the mission, troops dismantled Jabalia’s underground headquarters as “part of the effort to attack Hamas’ tunnel infrastructure and target its senior commanders and strategic capabilities,” the military spokesman said.

“This effort continues at all times and is now taking place in Khan Younis and the southern Gaza Strip,” he added. (JO)