An IDF soldier showing a tunnel uncovered underground (Video Snippet)

Israel Weighing If Flooding Hamas's Tunnels Do More Harm Than Good

Details
The Judean Staff
National

In a strategic effort to counteract Hamas's tunnel network under the Gaza Strip, Israel has prepared an innovative but contentious plan involving the use of large pumps to flood these tunnels with seawater. As reported by U.S. officials, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have installed these pumps near the Al-Shati refugee camp, each capable of moving vast quantities of seawater per hour, with the potential to inundate the tunnels in a matter of weeks.

According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, the plan was initially communicated to the U.S. about a month ago and has sparked a complex debate, weighing its military necessity against environmental concerns and potential harm to Gaza's water supply. This dilemma highlights the intricate balance Israel must maintain between its defense strategies and international norms.

While the U.S. stance on this matter is divided, with some officials expressing apprehensions and others supporting the disruption of the tunnels, the Israeli government remains undecided on executing the plan. The internal debate in Israel and the U.S. reflects the complexity of addressing the challenges posed by Hamas's extensive use of tunnels for military and other purposes, including the concealment and movement of fighters and hostages.

This network, estimated to span around 300 miles, presents a unique obstacle in Israel's ongoing efforts to thwart Hamas and secure the release of hostages. The efficacy of the seawater pumping strategy is uncertain, given the unknown specifics of the tunnel system and its surrounding terrain. Concerns also revolve around the potential impact on Gaza's infrastructure, groundwater reserves, and the broader environmental implications.

The plan's global perception is another factor, with some arguing it could trigger widespread condemnation and place the Biden administration in a challenging diplomatic position. Yet, proponents advocate for this approach as one of the few viable means to permanently disable a network that has consistently threatened Israel's security.

The process of flooding the tunnels, expected to take weeks, could allow for the evacuation of Hamas fighters and hostages, though the feasibility of this outcome is yet to be determined. The Israeli military, maintaining operational discretion, has not publicly commented on this plan but emphasizes its ongoing efforts to dismantle Hamas's terror capabilities through various military and technological means.

However, some analysts are calling out the dangers of such a move, largely based on potential damage to the environment and existing water infrastructure underground. Jon Alterman, a senior vice president at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the plan's impact on existing water and sewage infrastructure, groundwater reserves, and the stability of nearby structures. These concerns stem from the potential for seawater to infiltrate and damage these systems.

Some have also pointed to a prior initiative undertaken by Egypt in 2015 to flood the tunnel systems between Egypt and Gaza, where tunnels near the Rafah crossing were flooded with saltwater to deter smuggling activities. However, this approach reportedly harmed the local water supply, threatened agricultural land, and increased the risk of disease spread. The effects were visibly detrimental, with the overflow reaching streets and homes near the border, resulting in widespread mud and stagnant water pools.

Tamer al-Sleibi, the water department director at the Hamas-run Palestinian Environment Quality Authority in Gaza, provided insights into the environmental impact of Egypt's operation. He noted that one cubic meter of seawater could contaminate 40 cubic meters of underground water, highlighting the potential for far-reaching and long-lasting damage. Al-Sleibi also mentioned the weakening of building foundations already compromised by tunnel construction, the rendering of land near the border unsuitable for agriculture, and the health risks posed by stagnant water breeding mosquitoes and disease carriers.

These insights and historical precedents underscore the complexity and potential consequences of Israel's contemplated action against Hamas's tunnel network. While the military objective is clear, the collateral impacts on the environment, infrastructure, and public health present significant challenges and considerations for Israeli decision-makers.

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