FLUSH THEM OUT
Israel planning to FLOOD Hamas’s tunnel network to drive out or drown terrorists under Gaza as they deploy 5 huge pumps
The pumps are capable of flooding the vast underground maze within weeks
ISRAELI troops are plotting to flood Hamas's tunnel network with seawater in a bid to flush out terrorists.
At least five huge pumps have been set up close to the Al-Shati refugee camp in Gaza as Israel looks to take down the terror group following the horror October 7 massacre.
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The pumps are capable of flooding the vast underground maze within weeks by pouring in thousands of cubic metres of water per hour from the Mediterranean Sea, reports .
It would also drive out or drown Hamas terrorists using the tunnels as a hideout as Israeli forces push ahead with their ground assault.
US officials said Israel alerted American authorities about its plan last month - but a decision has not been made on whether to go ahead yet.
It is not clear whether the IDF would consider using the pumps before all the hostages are released.
More on the Israel-Hamas war
Hamas has previously said it has hidden captives in "safe places and tunnels".
The terror group claims the sprawling underground labyrinth stretches some 500km - bigger than the London Underground which is 402km long.
Hidden up to 100ft below the surface, the entrances are enclosed under the floors of homes, mosques and schools - allowing fighters to move unseen between homes and alleyways within Gaza.
It is used by the warped group to transport people and goods as well as store rocks and ammunition.
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The tunnels are understood to be connected to launch pits where rockets have been fired from towards Israeli areas.
Hamas' command and control centres are also housed in the intricate system away from Israel's watch.
And it's understood the entire network is heavily laden with booby traps and homemade bombs.
Each tunnel is reinforced with concrete and some are so narrow fighters are unable to stand up in them.
Others, however, are much more spacious - allowing terrorists to run through them and transport weapons and contraband.
They are extremely difficult to detect from the air and have long frustrated Israel's military as despite being armed with top-of-the-range equipment, they have so far been unable to wipe them out.
A US official said it made sense for Israel to render the tunnels inoperable and that the country was exploring a range of ways to do that.
The IDF has not commented on the flooding plan, but an official told the WSJ: "The IDF is operating to dismantle Hamass terror capabilities in various ways, using different military and technological tools."
It comes as Israel expanded the war after a tense ceasefire as troops push into southern Gaza.
Fierce fighting erupted on Monday as dozens of Israeli tanks roared into the south for the final showdown with Hamas.
Armoured columns came under fire as they probed a mile into the city of Khan Younis where terror commanders including “Hamas Bin Laden” Yahya Sinwar were believed to be hiding.
Thousands of civilians fled in panic as the onslaught was supported by Israeli warplanes and artillery amid fears many would be unable to reach designated “safe areas.”
Hamas Qassam Brigades announced soon after the attack began that it had attacked five tanks and five personnel carriers with Al-Yassin 105 missiles.
Israelis avenging the 1,200 killed in the October 7 attacks face a bloody battle in heavily defended urban areas - and a terrifying maze of booby-trapped tunnels.
Meanwhile, Israel has blown up Hamas' infamous "Hall of Justice" where those who went against the terrorists were sentenced to death.
Seven people were sentenced to death by hanging in a single day for "collaborating" with Israel, according to the Gaza Strip's Hamas-run interior ministry.
Footage being circulated by Israeli media shows the Israel Defence Forces demolish Hamas' main courthouse - which was captured by troops last month - in a matter of seconds.
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