The following ISA report has been cleared for publication. A minor, who resides in Jabalya and is active in the military wing of Hamas, was arrested by the ISA on 27 Adar II, after having crossed the perimeter fence and infiltrated into Israel.

From the ISA investigation, it arises that the minor belongs to Hamas’s northern Gaza Brigade, to which he was recruited before Operation Protective Edge. After being recruited, the minor underwent military training and even carried out ramified military operations – including ambushes, look-outs, patrols and the digging of tunnels toward Israel – against IDF forces. Most of his training was for offensive operations including – inter alia – infiltration, entry into buildings and the detonation of explosive charges as part of a concept that the next combat would be on Israeli territory.

Extensive information was acquired during the investigation on Hamas’s activity in digging tunnels for the infiltration of Hamas fighters into Israel. Information was also acquired on the routes of emergency tunnels for use by Hamas elite units as well as on the location of numerous tunnel shafts in Gaza.

Details were also learned about the 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 minor took part in planting explosive charges in and around the tunnels for use in the event of IDF forces entering the tunnels, and even stored additional charges in his home.

Hamas is continuing to dig tunnels even as it is aware of Israeli activity to locate them and is monitoring this activity.

The minor is one of a several militants currently being investigated by the ISA and who are revealing updated internal information about Hamas’s intensive tunnel digging activity.

The minor was indicted on Tuesday morning 2 Iyar in the Beersheva District Court.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)