Gaza Pilot Shifts Tunnel Clearance from IDF to Peace Council

A pilot project to detect and seal underground tunnels along the Yellow Line in the Gaza Strip has been launched, marking the first time partial responsibility for this task has shifted from the Israel Defense Forces to the Peace Council. The initiative focuses on the Green Rafah project area, a demilitarized zone where engineering works are underway to clear tunnels in preparation for the relocation of non-Hamas Gaza residents. While tunnel clearance duties are transitioning, overall security responsibility remains with the IDF, and military forces continue to operate throughout the Yellow Line sector.

Destroying the tunnels remains a top priority, the Peace Council stated, confirming the launch of the program. The Council placed these security priorities at the center of its planning for the deployment of the National Committee for the Stabilization of Gaza and an international stabilization force, aiming to ensure the enclave is demilitarized and no longer poses a threat. The Council and the National Committee previously outlined a six-month plan and stated they are currently advancing its implementation.

Meanwhile, the Gaza Envelope Forum sharply criticized the move, arguing that it amounts to rewarding Hamas. Instead of penalizing Hamas for refusing to disarm, the Israeli government and the Peace Council are pushing forward with rehabilitation efforts, the forum stated, urging newly sworn-in Knesset members to prioritize the dismantlement of Hamas before any reconstruction begins in the territory.

Earlier this week, reports emerged that US President Donald Trump urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a phone conversation to advance the Gaza peace plan. Israel has also begun preparing mechanisms to allow dual-use equipment into the strip without falling into the hands of Hamas, with the first projected initiative involving the repair of local wastewater treatment facilities.