Palestinian writer and political analyst Dr. Hasan Abu Hashish said that the focus of Palestinian resistance on tunnel explosions, from time to time, is due to pressures and takes into consideration the current political atmosphere.

“Resistance factions face enormous difficulties, but they always come up with new tactics so as to keep up the burning torch of resistance. I believe the military tactics of resistance are used in light of political conditions and there might be a link between tunnel explosions and the halt to the shelling of Sedrot settlement by Qassam missiles”, he said.

“If Qassam missiles and attacks were halted, they remain means of resistance and could be used again, in line with the political conditions and potentialities which are a mater related to the military wings of the [resistance] factions”, he added.

Abu Hashish sees tunnel operations, despite technical hardships and high cost, as proving the resistance wants to send several messages to the international community to the effect that the Palestinian people are under occupation and want nothing but to restore their rights.

He added the message also highlights the fact that resisting occupation is a legitimate right, guaranteed by all international laws and it can no longer be considered “terrorism”, as it now targets the army of occupation.

Hamas had carried out several resistance operations including “tunnel explosions”, over the past few months.

The latest was the tunnel explosion carried out by Qassam Brigades in June, where a tunnel under an Israeli military post near Gush Katif to the south of Gaza, was destroyed, leaving at least 5 soldiers killed.

Two weeks ago, the Israeli officer entrusted with uncovering tunnels in Rafah was killed as he was searching for a tunnel.

An Israeli soldier was also killed on December 7 when a Hamas cell ambushed a special Israeli force to the east of Gaza.

Samy Abu Zahri, Hamas spokesman in Gaza, however, attributed the use of tunnel explosions in resistance operations to “field reasons only”, affirming that Hamas has not changed its general policy as to resistance.

“ All options and means are open in the face of occupation and aggression including martyrdom [bombing] operations”, Abu Zahri said, adding that resistance military leaders decide on the nature of operations, according to field conditions.

Hamas political leaders usually refuse to directly comment on resistance tactics, insisting it was the job of the military wing leaders to select and plan these operations, taking into account the situation on the ground.

The European Union and the United States classify Hamas as a “terrorist” movement under the pretext of targeting Israeli “civilians”.

Palestinian had started using tunnels to smuggle weapons, arms and persons through the border between Gaza sector and Egypt, yet the closures imposed on the Strip and the difficulties hindering resistance operations inside Israel forced the resistance to use tunnels to target Israeli military posts.

A tunnel is a hole dug on different depths and sizes using different kinds of tools. It could take months to dig a tunnel, highlighting the difficulty and cost of the operation.