Why did Hamas build tunnels?

 Hamas has built a vast network of tunnels under the Gaza Strip for several strategic reasons.

1. Protection and Mobility: The tunnels provide a means for Hamas fighters to protect themselves against Israeli offensives, maneuver undetected below the surface, and launch surprise attacks before returning to the security of the tunnels
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   . They also allow Hamas leaders and fighters to remain mobile and escape entire sections of the combat area when they feel they are about to be decisively attacked or surrounded
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2. Storage and Barracks: The tunnels are used to store weapons and supplies, and to house Hamas fighters
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   . They also contain larger rooms used to store weaponry and house Hamas leaders
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3. Smuggling: The tunnels are used to smuggle goods and contraband
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   . Originally, tunnels dug in Gaza were used for smuggling goods in and out of Egypt to circumvent an Israeli blockade
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4. Guerrilla Warfare Strategy: The tunnels are a vital element of Hamas's guerrilla warfare strategy. Hamas fighters form small hunter-killer teams that move underground, pop up, strike, and pop quickly back into a tunnel
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5. Hostage Holding: Hostages are also held in the tunnels
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6. Infrastructure: The tunnels are equipped with electricity and even bathrooms of some sort
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   . Most of the tunnels are reinforced with concrete and some are quite deep, allowing them to protect Hamas militants against airstrikes
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The tunnels pose a significant challenge for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) due to their extensive and intricate nature. They are often referred to as the "Gaza Metro" due to their extensive reach

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. The IDF has worked to dismantle the network, particularly the tunnels that crossed the border into its territory, in part by use of sensors meant to detect tunneling

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. However, the depth and scale of Hamas tunnels in Gaza surpass Israel’s specialized capabilities

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.It's important to note that the construction of these tunnels has been criticized, with Israel accusing Hamas of diverting concrete meant for civilian and humanitarian purposes toward the construction of tunnels

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. Critics also argue that the group’s massive expenditures on tunnels could have instead paid for civilian bomb shelters or early warning networks

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