In a counterterrorism operation, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have destroyed a kilometre-long tunnel in the central Gaza Strip's Netzarim Corridor area.

The tunnel, identified by troops serving under the 99th Division, contained multiple interconnected paths used by terrorist operatives for movement.

The destruction of the tunnel was executed by the elite Yahalom combat engineering unit. Within the Netzarim Corridor, forces from the 99th Division, including the Alexandroni Infantry Brigade and 8th Reserveored Brigade, have eliminated numerous gunmen and obliterated over 100 sites in the last two months since their deployment.

These targeted sites encompassed weapon storage facilities, surveillance posts, rocket launch pads, and tunnels.

The IDF also conducted an airstrike on a mosque in the area, which was being utilised by gunmen as a base of operations. 

Israel orders mass evacuation of Palestinians from Khan Younis

In a related development, the Israeli military has ordered the evacuation of thousands of Palestinians from the Khan Younis area in the southern Gaza Strip.

This move comes as part of Israel's ongoing military operations aimed at defeating Hamas and securing the release of hostages captured by Hamas-led fighters on October 7 last year.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has worsened due to the conflict, with thousands of Palestinians killed.