The terror tunnel discovered by the IDF, October 7th, 2013. Photo: IDF.

Two days after the IDF disclosed that it had uncovered a Gaza terror tunnel leading to southern Israel’s Kibbutz Ein Hashlosha, Israeli security forces are now working to demolish another similar tunnel found early Tuesday morning.

According to the IDF Spokesperson Unit, the tunnel is actually an extension of a larger tunnel that existed previously. This larger tunnel may have been demolished in the lead up to Operation Pillar of Defense in November 2012.

At an honor guard held this morning marking the departure of IDF Spokesperson Brigadier General Yoav Mordechai and the arrival of incoming IDF Spokesperson Brigadier General Moti Almoz, the discovery of the tunnel and the deadly explosive material inside of it were mentioned. “As we speak, an extension of a tunnel has been uncovered and is being detonated in a controlled manner, along with the explosive material found in it,” stated Brig. General Mordechai.

He also added that the “area in which the tunnel was found is still explosive, sensitive, and the threats are still imminent.”

On October 7, a massive 2.5- kilometer (1.5 mile) tunnel was uncovered from the Gaza Strip leading to an Israeli kibbutz; the IDF revealed the news about this tunnel last Sunday. Residents of the kibbutz heard digging and had alerted the IDF. In an Israel Hayom report, Eshkol Regional Council head, Haim Yellin, said the tunnel “looks like the New York subway.” Israel defense officials said  the tunnel was designated for abducting soldiers or for carrying out a large terror attack.

According to the IDF Commander of the Gaza Division, Brig. Gen. Mickey Edelstein, “The IDF operates under the notion that there are additional tunnels jeopardizing civilians and security personnel in the area.”

Hamas and other terror organizations in Gaza invest millions of dollars and direct significant resources in order to operate a thriving network of illegal tunnels leading into Israel. The IDF Spokesperson’s office says there is sufficient evidence that points to terrorists building the tunnels by using construction materials transferred into the Gaza Strip by Israel as part of humanitarian aid relief.

The IDF Spokesperson Unit told Tazpit News Agency that three such “attack tunnels” have been discovered in 2013.