In a significant operation, the Israeli military announced on Wednesday that it successfully eliminated more than 130 tunnels belonging to the Hamas militant group in the Gaza Strip. This comes as airstrikes reportedly struck and killed a key weapons maker for Hamas. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that combat engineers were deployed to destroy the extensive tunnel network, which spans hundreds of miles beneath Gaza.

The IDF's mission to eradicate Hamas' tunnels involved locating, exposing, and detonating tunnel shafts in order to destroy the enemy's weapons. The operation proved to be challenging, with Hamas fighters putting up fierce resistance. Israeli officials revealed that at least 33 soldiers have lost their lives in the process.

As the operation progressed, IDF troops made further discoveries. They found a structure near several tunnel entrances, containing multiple car batteries believed to be used for powering the tunnel's air filtration systems. Additionally, the soldiers captured a Hamas training camp in northern Gaza, which also housed several destroyed tunnel entrances. It was revealed that at this camp, Hamas operatives were planning an attack.

Videos of the tunnels' demolition were shared online by IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari, showcasing the magnitude and precision of the operation. The tunnel that was demolished was located in northern Gaza and eradicated by troops from the IDF's 551st Brigade.

Simultaneously, negotiations mediated by Qatar are underway to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. Qatar, where numerous Hamas leaders are based, has been leading the mediation efforts since the beginning of the conflict. The talks, coordinated with the United States, aim to establish a 48-hour humanitarian pause in Gaza in exchange for the release of 10 to 15 hostages.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed willingness to consider "tactical little pauses" but has rejected calls for a ceasefire. Netanyahu believes that a ceasefire would only allow Hamas to regroup and continue its aggression. However, sources suggest that a 24 to 48-hour ceasefire or limitation of the main zone of operations could potentially be agreed upon in the near future.

Since the beginning of the conflict on October 7, the toll on civilian lives has been devastating. According to Palestinian officials, 10,569 people have been killed in Gaza, with approximately 40% of the casualties being children.

As tensions remain high in the region, the Israeli military's successful destruction of the extensive Hamas tunnel network is a significant blow to the militant group's capabilities. The ongoing negotiations and discussions with outside mediators will be crucial in determining the future course of action and potential reduction in hostilities.