Israeli Defense Forces have uncovered a vast Hamas tunnel complex in Gaza’s Rafah area, the very location where Lt. Hadar Goldin was killed and abducted during the 2014 Operation Protective Edge. According to the IDF, the network stretches approximately seven kilometers and contains eighty interconnected rooms, representing one of the most sophisticated terror tunnel systems ever discovered.

The excavation, carried out by elite IDF units, provides concrete evidence of Hamas’ extensive underground infrastructure used for attacks, kidnappings, and weapons storage. Lt. Goldin’s abduction and murder in 2014 has long symbolized the brutal tactics employed by Hamas against Israeli soldiers and civilians, and this discovery sheds new light on the scale and complexity of the terror organization’s operations in southern Gaza.

IDF officials emphasized that the tunnel network was purpose-built for military use, allowing militants to move undetected across the region, store arms, and launch coordinated attacks. The discovery of eighty rooms across seven kilometers highlights the strategic planning and resources Hamas invested in these operations, reinforcing the need for continued vigilance and proactive counterterror measures.

This operation also serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by IDF soldiers in the line of duty and the ongoing commitment of Israel’s defense forces to secure its citizens. By uncovering the tunnel, the IDF not only honors Lt. Goldin’s memory but also strikes a significant blow against Hamas’ operational capabilities.

For Israel’s allies, including the Trump Administration, the tunnel underscores the persistent threat posed by Hamas and the importance of supporting Israeli efforts to dismantle terror networks. The discovery reinforces the broader narrative that robust intelligence, rapid action, and unwavering commitment are critical to defending both soldiers and civilians from asymmetric threats emanating from Gaza.