When one thinks of Gaza, images of poverty, violence, and desperation often come to mind. But there is another side to this war-torn region — one of mystery and intrigue. It’s the story of the Gaza Metro, a secret subterranean tunnel network used by the militant group Hamas.
The Gaza Metro is not an above-ground operation like most subway systems. It’s a complex network of underground passages spanning hundreds of miles. They are dug deep into the desert, and are large enough for vehicles and supplies to pass through them. This makes them particularly difficult to locate and destroy.
The exact origin of the Gaza Metro is unknown, but it is believed to have been constructed in the mid-1990s. Sources claim that the tunnels were initially created to smuggle in contraband from Egypt into the Gaza Strip. But after the rise of Hamas in the early 2000s, the network was repurposed. The tunnels became an effective way of transporting personnel and resources without detection.
The Gaza Metro is an integral component of Hamas’s infrastructure. The tunnels allow the militant group to move troops and weapons between strongholds and training camps undetected. In addition, they provide a safe haven for militants to hide when needed.
That said, the network is also used for more benign purposes. Palestinian civilians have taken to the secret tunnels in times of need. Medics have been known to use them to transport medical supplies and injured individuals. In 2015, Hamas even opened certain sections of the network to the public. They even established a “Tunnel Authority” responsible for regulating their use.
The mysterious Gaza Metro is a unique feature of this seemingly forgotten land. It’s a reminder that the subterranean world can be just as complex and interesting as the world above.