Hamas says deadly tunnels still in operation despite Israeli bombardment
- 10 years ago
They may be talking peace above ground, but down here Hamas fighters say they're ready to attack Israel again at a moment's notice.
They are eager to point out, that while Israel may have destroyed many of their tunnels, many others are still in use..
(SOUNDBITE) MILITANT FROM HAMAS ARMED WING IZZ AD-DIN AL-QASSAM, SAYING:
"We are speaking to you today from inside one of those tunnels, which Israel said it had destroyed. Our men are still operating in those tunnels prepared for all options."
The tunnel network linking the Gaza strip to southern Israel is central to the conflict between the two sides. Hamas uses them to launch attacks on Israeli settlements.
Israel says no peace is possible until the tunnels are all destroyed, although these Hamas fighters say for every tunnel destroyed a new one will be built.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) MASKED FIGHTER FROM HAMAS ARMED WING IZZ AD-DIN AL-QASSAM, SAYING:
"We will continue with this way until we gain al
They are eager to point out, that while Israel may have destroyed many of their tunnels, many others are still in use..
(SOUNDBITE) MILITANT FROM HAMAS ARMED WING IZZ AD-DIN AL-QASSAM, SAYING:
"We are speaking to you today from inside one of those tunnels, which Israel said it had destroyed. Our men are still operating in those tunnels prepared for all options."
The tunnel network linking the Gaza strip to southern Israel is central to the conflict between the two sides. Hamas uses them to launch attacks on Israeli settlements.
Israel says no peace is possible until the tunnels are all destroyed, although these Hamas fighters say for every tunnel destroyed a new one will be built.
(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) MASKED FIGHTER FROM HAMAS ARMED WING IZZ AD-DIN AL-QASSAM, SAYING:
"We will continue with this way until we gain al