IDF reports that as ground operations continue in Gaza, 130 Hamas tunnel shafts have been demolished

As Israel continues its "expansion" of its ground operation in Gaza, the Israel Defense Forces declared on Wednesday that it had destroyed 130 Hamas tunnel shafts since the beginning of the conflict.

"Combat engineers engaged in the battle in Gaza are finding, exposing, and detonating subterranean shafts in addition to demolishing enemy weaponry. The soldiers are impeding Hamas' terrorist infrastructure by expanding the ground operation in the Gaza Strip, the IDF stated in a news release on Wednesday.

"As part of the ground forces' activity in the Gaza Strip, IDF soldiers are currently working to expose and destroy Hamas’ tunnels," the statement continued. "Since the beginning of the fighting, 130 tunnel shafts have been destroyed."

The Israeli Defense Forces stated that Hamas' "preparation for a prolonged stay in the tunnels can be seen based on water and oxygen means found in the tunnels."