Since the Israeli disengagement from the Gaza Strip in 2005, one might wonder if the tunnels constructed in Gaza are intended as shelters for the Palestinian population to protect them during bombardments by the Israeli air force, who has been forced to do so in response to the thousands of rockets launched over the past two decades into civilian areas in Israel. The question is : “Have these tunnels ever been utilized for humanitarian purposes?”

Instead, these tunnels have been primarily used as hiding places for terrorists and conduits for smuggling weapons, spanning kilometers of meticulously engineered concrete structures.

In Israel, shelters are designed to protect the civilian population from potential attacks. They are a crucial part of the precautionary measures that any state must take in response to the declared intentions of some of its neighbours.

Unlike the tunnels in Gaza and southern Lebanon, which have not been used to protect the civilian population, the purpose of facilities known in Hebrew as “Miklat” (commonly referred to as bomb shelters or protected spaces) in Israel is to provide individuals with the necessary time, environment, and location to face the threat of rockets and missiles. Access to these shelters is a key consideration in the planning and location of industries, schools, and daycare centers.

Both tunnels and shelters hold significant meanings for the people on both sides of the Gaza-Israel border.

Functionality and Purpose of Tunnels in Gaza and South Lebanon

The tunnels constructed throughout the Gaza Strip and South Lebanon have not served as means of prevention and protection. Instead, they have been used primarily for offensive operations, such as the abduction that led to the capture of Gilad Shalit in 2006. Now, 18 years later, these tunnels continue to facilitate attacks, with thousands of rockets being launched despite a nine-month ground operation following the October 7th massacre, which itself was not perpetrated through tunnels.

Implications for Israel’s Security and Local Communities

Investigating these questions is crucial, as the tunnel phenomenon increasingly impacts Israel’s security and the daily lives of residents in local communities and security towns. The issue extends beyond Gaza, with similar tunnels being dug by terrorists in the north, despite the presence of UN entities meant to observe and maintain peace. There are also concerns about whether Israeli intelligence was aware of these tunnels and delayed action, possibly due to a lack of political will.

The Need for International Criticism

It is clear that the purpose of Israeli shelters is fundamentally different from that of terrorist tunnels. Therefore, the international community should heavily criticize the existence of these tunnels and their impact on the region’s geopolitical stability. However, there has been a notable silence on this matter.