Hamas tunnel from Gaza to Israel uncovered

Israel Defense Force (IDF) uncovered a 1.7-km-long tunnel, leading from Hamas-controlled Gaza to Israel, IDF officials said on Sunday.

Army officials said it is believed that the tunnel was dug by Hamas, an Islamist movement which governs the Palestinian Gaza Strip, in order to carry attacks against Israel or to kidnap soldiers or civilians, reports Xinhua.

The tunnel was discovered by the army about a week ago. It starts from southern Gaza strip to Kibbutz Ein Hashlosha in southern Israel.

It is one of the most "sophisticated" and "meticulously constructed" tunnels ever found. It is constructed with help of electricity, lighting, and a track with a small railway car, IDF officials said.

In the wake of this discovery, the Israeli government prevented trucks with shipments of cement and gravel from entering the Gaza strip.

Hamas has dug numerous tunnels leading from Gaza to Egypt or Israel in the past. In 2006, Hamas sneaked into Israel through a tunnel and kidnapped Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier who was held hostage for more than five years.