Labyrinth of Hamas tunnels poses greatest threat to Israeli offensive in Gaza

Israel faces an underground battle when it launches its offensive into Gaza (Jack Guez/pool photo/AP)

As an Israeli ground offensive in the Gaza Strip looms in its most devastating war yet with Hamas, one of the greatest threats to both its troops and the 2.3 million Palestinians trapped inside the seaside enclave is buried deep underground.

An extensive labyrinth of tunnels built by the Hamas militant group stretches across the densely populated strip, hiding fighters, their rocket arsenal and more than 200 hostages they now hold after an unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel.