World News for Students of English

06-12-2023 07:00

In an eight-week-long operation since October 27, Israeli forces discovered 800 shafts leading to Hamas’ extensive network of tunnels in Gaza.

Over half of these shafts have been destroyed. Hamas claimed to have a tunnel system comparable in size to the New York subway, serving as both protection and operational bases. Israeli strikes targeted these tunnels situated in civilian areas, often near or inside buildings like schools and mosques. The military employed penetrating munitions, mapping robots, and explosive gel to neutralize the passages.

Concerns about civilian casualties have prompted international worry, with the United States urging Israel to exercise caution. Of the 800 shafts found, 500 have been destroyed using various methods, including detonation and sealing off, along with damage to many miles of main tunnel routes.

Difficult words: penetrating (to get access to a place or system, especially when this is difficult to do), neutralize (to make something no longer effective or dangerous), detonation (making something explode).

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