JERUSALEM (JTA) — A Gaza teen who was arrested a month ago by Israeli forces as he attempted to infiltrate Israel has provided “extensive information” on terror tunnels, the Shin Bet security service said.
The teen, who is active in Hamas’ military wing, was indicted Tuesday in Beersheba District Court after being arrested on April 6. At least two tunnels from Gaza into southern Israel have been discovered since the arrest.
A gag order on the teen’s arrest was lifted Tuesday by the Shin Bet.
The teen, from northern Gaza, was recruited by the military wing of Hamas prior to Israel’s 2014 war against Hamas in Gaza and underwent military training, according to the Shin Bet, which also said in a statement that he participated in actions against Israeli soldiers and assisted in building tunnels.
The “extensive information” provided by the teen on Hamas’ activity in digging the tunnels allowing Hamas fighters to infiltrate Israel includes the location of shafts and routes, the Shin Bet said.
Investigators also learned about the tunnel excavators’ work methods, tools and procedures. For example, diggers use several methods to disguise their activity, such as a prohibition on exiting tunnels in work clothes. Excavators are required to shower and change clothes inside the tunnels, the Shin Bet said.
The Shin Bet also said that Hamas is monitoring Israeli activity to locate the tunnels while building them.
Other Gaza terrorists are being questioned and revealing information about the tunnels, the Shin Bet said.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
