Despite intensive Israeli military operations in Gaza, Hamas continues to rebuild and expand its subterranean terror infrastructure, Israeli defense officials said Sunday. According to a report by Kan Reshet Bet, the IDF has so far destroyed only about 25% of Hamas’s known tunnel network. The sprawling system of underground passages—used by Hamas to ambush troops, smuggle weapons, and conceal movements—remains a persistent threat to Israeli forces operating in the Strip. Military officials have voiced growing concern over the terror group’s ability to repair damaged tunnels and dig new ones, even under sustained IDF pressure. Hamas operatives reportedly rely on the tunnels to plant explosives, fire anti-tank missiles, and then retreat to safety underground, avoiding direct combat. Separately, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zarmir met with several recently released hostages, including Romi Gonen, Liri Albag, Sasha Trufanov, and Omer Shem Tov. The hostages, held captive by Hamas in underground cells, recounted hearing nearby explosions, tank movements, and even voices speakiny Hebrew—indications of IDF activity close to their locations during their captivity. “The return of the hostages and ensuring their safety remain our top priorities,” Zamir said following the meeting. “We will continue to take all necessary actions to achieve our war objectives—bringing all hostages home and dismantling Hamas’s terror capabilities once and for all.” (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)