Hamas' Deadly Maze: Trapping and Killing Israeli Troops in Gaza

The Israeli army's death toll in Gaza has nearly doubled compared to the 2014 ground offensive, highlighting Hamas' effective use of guerrilla tactics and an expanded arsenal. Hamas has turned Gaza's streets into a deadly maze using its knowledge of the terrain, a vast tunnel network, and a stockpile of weapons ranging from drones rigged with grenades to anti-tank weapons. The Israeli military has struggled to find a solution for the tunnels, which have significantly expanded in the past decade. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to wage war until "absolute victory," but the offensive has come at a high cost in Israeli soldiers' lives. Hamas has used its familiarity with the land to launch ambushes and take advantage of the defender's advantages. The group has made significant strides in building up its forces since 2014, including smuggling advanced arms and developing locally-made weapons. However, Israeli drones and other tactics have eroded Hamas' ability to surprise, making city fighting more difficult for the militants.