Why Can't Tunnels Be Built Between Gaza and Israel?
The construction of tunnels along the border between Gaza and Israel has long been a contentious issue, particularly due to the complex challenges involved in their construction. Since 2017, Israel has installed an elaborate underground anti-tunnel barrier along the 25-mile border to prevent Hamas from digging tunnels that could potentially lead to the occupation of Israeli territory. Unfortunately, this has not deterred Hamas, as they continue to use these tunnels for weapons smuggling and as a means of infiltrating Israeli territory to conduct operations.
The Complexity of Tunnel Construction
Building a tunnel requires extensive knowledge of engineering, physics, and a great deal of physical effort. The process is not only labor-intensive but also technically challenging. Let us take a closer look at the difficulties involved in constructing a tunnel.
When attempting to dig a tunnel, the type of soil is a critical factor. If the topsoil is dry and sandy, it can weigh around 2,600 pounds or 1,200 kilograms per cubic yard. Clay soil, which is a common type found in many areas, is lighter, weighing approximately 1,700 pounds or 770 kilograms per cubic yard. This means that for every yard of tunnel dug, you must move at least two tons of soil—this process can only be done with one person at a time, lying prone on their hands and knees.
Increasing the cross-sectional area of the tunnel to 4 square yards allows two diggers to work together more efficiently, but that still requires moving four tons of soil for every yard of tunnel. Additionally, if the tunnel is to be more than a few yards deep, a pumped aeration system is necessary to provide breathable air for the workers. The discarded soil must also be hidden to avoid discovery, which complicates the process even further.
The Technical Challenges of Tunnel Construction
Another significant challenge in tunnel construction is the reinforcement required to prevent collapse. As the tunnel expands, the walls and ceiling must be reinforced with wooden, steel, or concrete frameworks to support the soil and prevent the tunnel from collapsing. These reinforcements are expensive and draw attention, making the project even more difficult to keep secret.
Furthermore, the problem of transporting the massive amounts of excavated soil remains unresolved. If a small railway system is built to move mine carts, this too must be hidden from scrutiny. Even concealing the transport of soil out of the site is fraught with challenges, as the noise produced by digging and moving the soil can easily reveal the existence of the tunnel.
Irael's Claims and Skepticism
According to some reports, Israel has been aware of the existence of tunnels between Gaza and Israel. However, it raises questions about the government's claims and actions regarding these tunnels. Why should we believe Israel, given the numerous contradictions and the obvious lack of transparency? The narrative of secret tunnels is often perpetuated by college students or those without practical engineering or labor experience.
The stories of secret tunnels are often dreamed up by individuals with no experience in the physical world and the demanding labor required. As a critical reader, you should evaluate news stories with a questioning and skeptical mindset. Always cross-check the claims and challenge them against your existing knowledge and understanding of the situation.
Israel has implemented the anti-tunnel barrier for a reason. While Hamas continues to use tunnels for weapons smuggling and infiltration, the technical challenges in tunnel construction make it an arduous and potentially dangerous operation. The ongoing debate over the existence and effectiveness of these tunnels highlights the complexities of geopolitical conflicts and the challenges of border security.