The tunnels in Gaza initially had some basic characteristics in common with other excavation sites in Israel and elsewhere in the world, such as burial caves, mines, and hiding systems. “However,” says Prof. Roskin, “each tunnel system is different and uniquely related to the geological, geographic and geopolitical conditions in place. What is interesting about Hamas is that the rate of growth of the tunnels, not only in size, but also in purpose, complemented the development of the organization’s operational concept. It began with the smuggling of goods, progressed to the smuggling of weapons, and later evolved into attack tunnels. At these stages, the organization’s perception was tactical.
