Overview

• Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the directive on Sunday, calling tunnel destruction central to demilitarizing Gaza.
• He said the campaign would be carried out by the IDF and through an international mechanism to be established under U.S. leadership.
• The IDF has not released operational details or a schedule for the planned demolition effort.
• Israeli forces have pulled back from several footholds in Gaza, with multiple brigades reported to have withdrawn after completing missions.
• BBC reporting cites Hamas moves to reconstitute control in vacated areas, while Gaza Civil Defense reports large civilian returns and thousands listed as missing.