In a dramatic escalation of its ongoing counter-terrorism operations, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have made a significant discovery in the Palestinian city of Tulkarem, located in northern Samaria. Amid the high-stakes operation, dubbed "Summer Camps," which resumed earlier this week, IDF troops have located a short tunnel near a hospital in the volatile area.

A Chilling Discovery: The Tunnel Without an Exit

According to military sources, the tunnel was still in its early stages of construction, with an entrance but no exit—a clear indication that it was under active development. The discovery underscores the persistent and evolving threats posed by terrorist organizations in the region, as they increasingly attempt to mimic the notorious tactics employed by Hamas in Gaza.

IDF engineering units are currently on the scene, meticulously investigating the tunnel. Once the investigation is complete, the military intends to demolish the tunnel, ensuring that it cannot be used for future terrorist activities. This discovery is part of a broader, intensified effort by the IDF to root out terror infrastructure in Palestinian areas, particularly in northern Samaria.

IDF discovered in-progress terror tunnel near a hospital in Tulkarem, as counterterrorism operation in the West Bank continues.

Also: 10 armed terrorists eliminated; explosives, including a booby-trapped car, destroyed; weapons seized; bomb and weapons labs/equipment destroyed.

— Aleph א (@no_itsmyturn) September 13, 2024

Operation "Summer Camps": A Renewed Offensive Against Terrorism

The discovery of the tunnel comes as the IDF has ramped up its counter-terrorism operations in northern Samaria, following a brief pause. The "Summer Camps" operation, initially launched on August 28, has seen a significant uptick in military activity in recent days. According to the IDF, these renewed efforts have already led to the elimination of 10 gunmen in a series of fierce clashes and precise drone strikes.

Earlier this year, in a move that highlights the IDF's proactive stance against subterranean threats, a specialized team was formed to locate and neutralize offensive tunnels in Judea and Samaria. This elite team, comprising engineers, intelligence operatives, and other specialists, was established in response to reports from residents of Bat Hefer, near Tulkarem, who had been alarmed by unusual digging noises near their homes.

🔴 ISRAEL EN GUERRE: Dans un communiqué, Tsahal confirme avoir localisé la présence d'un tunnel souterrain proche d'un hôpital de Tulkarem en Judée Samarie. L'entrée de l'infrastructure souterraine a été localisée mais il n'y a pas de sortie. Les forces de Tsahal examinent le… pic.twitter.com/mLTH9WC3Uv

— Jonathan Serero (@sererojonathan) September 13, 2024

A Growing Threat: The Rise of Underground Terror Infrastructure

In the months since the team's formation, evidence of potential tunnels has emerged across various areas in Judea and Samaria, although none have yet been confirmed as fully developed tunnels. For instance, shafts were recently discovered in the Hebron hills and near the settlement of Shilo in central Judea. However, after thorough examination, these shafts were found not to be connected to tunnels.

A senior security official expressed deep concern over the discovery of these underground facilities, noting that terrorist organizations appear to be increasingly adopting tactics similar to those used in Gaza, where underground tunnels have long been a cornerstone of their operations. "In the past, we have seen the use of underground facilities for the concealment and storage of weapons. We understand that terrorist organizations are trying to mimic some of the combat methods in Gaza. This issue concerns us greatly," the official stated.

IDF's Ongoing Offensive: Beyond Arrests to Strategic Targeting

The IDF's response to these emerging threats has been robust and multifaceted. The ongoing operations in refugee camps, particularly in northern Samaria, are not only focused on arresting wanted terrorists but also on systematically scanning and dismantling terror infrastructure in these areas. The operation in Tulkarem is just the latest example of the IDF's determination to confront and neutralize these underground threats head-on.

One of the earliest instances where the IDF encountered such tunnels in northern Samaria occurred in July 2023, in the Jenin refugee camp. There, troops uncovered a tunnel stretching dozens of meters, connecting a mosque to an apartment that was being used as a terrorist hideout. This discovery marked a turning point in the IDF's operations in the area, leading to intensified efforts to locate and destroy similar structures.

Since then, the IDF has been conducting weekly operations in refugee camps, with forces entering these areas with the express purpose of locating and neutralizing internal tunnels. While approximately five shafts have been discovered in the Jenin and Nur al-Shams camps, none have been found to lead to fully developed tunnels—yet the threat remains ever-present.

The Israeli military says it has located a short tunnel near a hospital in the northern West Bank city of Tulkarem, as part of an ongoing counter-terrorism operation.

The tunnel had an entrance but no exit, indicating that it was still under construction, according to the…

— CYNN (@CYNN_Official) September 13, 2024

The Uncertain Future: Vigilance in the Face of Evolving Tactics

The IDF has been clear that while no offensive tunnels have been definitively identified at this moment, the situation remains fluid and unpredictable. Given the extensive tunnel networks discovered on Israel's southern and northern borders, the possibility of similar threats emerging in Judea and Samaria cannot be ruled out. The recently discovered shafts are believed to have been dug as potential hiding spaces for weapons or individuals during IDF raids, further underscoring the complexity of the threats faced by Israeli forces.

As the IDF continues its operations, the discovery in Tulkarem serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present danger posed by terrorist organizations in Judea and Samaria, and the lengths to which they will go to threaten Israel's security. The military remains vigilant, committed to dismantling these threats wherever they may arise, ensuring the safety and security of the nation.