The Israel Defense Forces have discovered a tunnel large enough for vehicles to pass through on the Gaza-Egypt border, officials said Sunday.
The 10-foot-tall tunnel was discovered on the so-called Philadelphia Route last week during an Israeli Defense Forces visit to the area to search for a tunnel route believed to be used by Hamas terrorists to smuggle weapons.
The IDF said its forces had destroyed dozens of similar tunnels in the area, and would continue to excavate and destroy any more they found.
Tensions in the Middle East are rising following nearly 10 months of war in Gaza and the killing last week of a senior Lebanese Hezbollah commander and a top Hamas political leader in Iran. Iran and its allies have blamed Israel and warned of retaliation.
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According to the IDF, the tunnel was 10 feet high and large enough for vehicles to pass through. (Israel Defense Forces)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a cabinet meeting on Sunday that Israel is already engaged in a “multi-front war” with Iran and its proxies and is prepared for any scenario.
Israeli forces have discovered a smuggling tunnel on the Gaza-Egypt border, an IDF official said. (Israel Defense Forces)
The United States urged Israel to seize the opportunity for a ceasefire to prevent an escalation of regional conflict.
The Pentagon announced late Friday that the U.S. military would move fighter jet units to the Middle East and keep an aircraft carrier in the region.
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The U.S. Embassy in Lebanon noted that several airlines had suspended or canceled flights and urged citizens wishing to leave the country to “book all available flights.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
