IDF Claims 26km of Gaza Tunnels Disabled Since Ceasefire as Underground War Continues

The Israel Defense Forces says its forces have dismantled an underground tunnel stretching roughly one kilometre, as military operations targeting subterranean infrastructure continue amid the ceasefire.

In an update issued on September 2, the IDF said more than 26 kilometres of underground tunnels east of the Yellow Line had been disabled since the ceasefire agreement came into effect.

The military described the latest operation as part of a wider effort to prevent armed groups from using underground infrastructure to launch attacks against Israeli forces.

Hezbollah infrastructure targeted in Ali al-Taher Ridge

The IDF also said its forces had completed the clearing of Hezbollah’s underground infrastructure in the Ali al-Taher Ridge area and were continuing operations to neutralise remaining sites.

According to the military, the underground network had been developed over more than two decades and was funded and planned with support from Iran.

The IDF said the network included command centres, weapons storage areas and living quarters, making it a strategically important part of Hezbollah’s military infrastructure.

The military did not provide independent evidence for the full extent of the network or the details of its construction.

IDF says fighters inside the network were eliminated or fled

The Israeli military said armed operatives who had been inside the underground infrastructure were responsible for attacks against Israel and IDF soldiers.

According to the statement, some of those fighters were killed during the operation, while others fled the area.

The IDF said its efforts to neutralise the underground sites remain underway. Once the operation is completed, the military said it would reassess its defensive posture based on the prevailing security situation.

Two people killed after crossing the Yellow Line

Separately, the IDF reported that two armed individuals were killed in northern Gaza after crossing the Yellow Line and approaching Israeli troops in a way the military said represented an immediate threat.

The IDF said the two were killed in order to remove the perceived threat to its forces.

The military issued another statement concerning a similar incident, describing it as a violation of the ceasefire.

IDF reports another alleged ceasefire violation

In a separate incident, the IDF said an armed individual crossed the Yellow Line and moved toward Israeli troops operating in the area.

The military said the person’s actions posed an immediate threat and that its forces responded by killing the individual.

The IDF characterised the incident as a ceasefire violation.

Underground infrastructure remains a major focus

The latest reports highlight the continuing importance of underground military infrastructure in the conflict, particularly as Israeli forces seek to prevent armed groups from using tunnels to move personnel, store weapons or conduct attacks.

The IDF’s statements indicate that operations against underground networks are continuing despite the ceasefire, with Israeli forces maintaining a focus on areas they consider potential sources of threats.

The military said future changes to its defensive deployment will depend on its assessment of developments on the ground.