Released hostage reports Hamas never stopped tunnel construction

Tal Shoham, an Israeli hostage released after 505 days, reported that Hamas continued to dig tunnels throughout his captivity. He spent eight and a half months underground, followed by five months in various houses in Gaza. Hamas has maintained an extensive tunnel network, which has been used for smuggling and military operations. Despite Israeli military efforts to destroy these tunnels since the October 7, 2023 attacks, Shoham claims they have not stopped their construction. The Israel Defense Forces previously estimated over 1,300 tunnels spanning 500 kilometers in Gaza. The tunnels have been crucial for Hamas, allowing them to transport weapons and evade Israeli blockades.