The statement noted that as part of its “ground forces’ activity in the Gaza Strip, IDF soldiers are currently working to expose and destroy Hamas’ tunnels”.
As a result, since the war began on October 7, 130 tunnels have been destroyed.
It added that Hamas’ “preparation for a prolonged stay in the tunnels can be seen based on water and oxygen means found in the tunnels”.
Among the tunnels hit included one near a United Nations Relief and Works Agency-sponsored school in the Beit Hanoun area of northern Gaza.
It comes as Malaysia vowed to maintain its ties with Hamas, despite pressure for it to “punish the group as a terrorist organization”.
The country’s prime minister, Anwar Ibrahim, issued the response after he was pressed on the potential economic repercussions of supporting Israel’s opposition in the war.
The US has been among the most vocal, demanding Malaysia cut ties with Hamas, with demands being made by Washington.
Anwar said he “will not accept any threats” after the Hamas International Financing Prevention Act was passed in the House of Representatives before final approval in the Senate.
He continued: “This action is unilateral and not valid because we as members of the United Nations only recognize decisions made by the UN Security Council.”
Malaysia – a Muslim-majority nation – has a similar stance to the likes of Indonesia and other Middle Eastern countries in backing Palestine for decades.
Anwar concluded at a rally: “Malaysia is a fiercely independent country. We decide what is right.
“We want the Arabs, Palestinians and people of Gaza to be treated as human beings. Nothing more, nothing less.”
