Bunker-busting strike targeted key Hamas commanders in Gaza, indicating shifting U.S. military support for more aggressive action.

In a strategic operation on September 10, the Israeli Airforce (IAF) conducted a significant airstrike targeting underground Hamas bunkers in El-Muasi, located in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. The strike is part of Israel’s ongoing military response following the intensification of hostilities with Hamas since the October 7 war.

According to the IDF spokesperson, the operation was aimed at disrupting Hamas’ subterranean infrastructure, which has long been a focal point of the group’s military capabilities. “We have successfully carried out a precision strike on a major Hamas command and control center, hidden beneath civilian areas,” said the spokesperson. “These bunkers were critical to their planning of terrorist activities.” Three senior Hamas commanders, all involved directly in the October 7 massacre, were reportedly eliminated.

The airstrike reportedly utilized advanced bunker-busting munitions designed to penetrate deeply fortified underground targets. These munitions, according to military sources, are capable of breaching reinforced concrete and reaching facilities several meters below ground. This represents a key advancement in Israel’s military strategy against Hamas, which has increasingly relied on underground tunnels and bunkers to evade Israeli strikes.

Shift in U.S. Military Support

While Israel has previously sought these bunker-busting munitions from the United States, there has been notable hesitation from Washington to release them for use in Gaza, largely due to concerns about civilian casualties and the potential for escalation. However, sources familiar with the matter have suggested that the U.S. position may have shifted in recent days, possibly contributing to the successful deployment of these munitions in El-Muasi.

Diplomatic insiders pointed to the growing frustration in Washington with the stalemated ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas. “There’s a sense that Hamas’ refusal to de-escalate and its continued rocket attacks have left the U.S. with fewer diplomatic options,” said a senior Israeli defense official. “As a result, it’s possible that the U.S. is no longer withholding certain military capabilities that were previously off the table.”

The coincidence of the bunker-busting strike in El-Muasi with this apparent shift in U.S. policy raises speculation that Washington may have quietly approved the use of these munitions, particularly as Hamas’ hardline stance has rendered ceasefire negotiations all but impossible. American officials have neither confirmed nor denied the reports, but one U.S. defense analyst observed that “it’s clear the situation has reached a critical impasse, and Israel may now be receiving broader support in its campaign against Hamas.”

Targeting Hamas’ Strategic Depth

The bunker in El-Muasi was believed to be a hub for senior Hamas leadership, who were allegedly coordinating ongoing rocket attacks and orchestrating infiltration attempts into Israeli territory. Intelligence leading up to the strike was gathered through a combination of human intelligence (HUMINT), aerial reconnaissance, and signals intelligence (SIGINT).

Western defense analysts have pointed out that the significance of such strikes goes beyond the immediate destruction of Hamas personnel and equipment. “The collapse of underground facilities severely disrupts Hamas’ operational continuity,” said Michael Herzog, a fellow at The Washington Institute and a former IDF general. “These bunkers are crucial for their logistical support and the coordination of attacks.”

Civilian Impact and Precision Targeting

As with many military operations in densely populated Gaza, the risk of civilian casualties remains a contentious issue. El-Muasi is situated in a heavily populated zone, and Hamas is known for embedding its military infrastructure within civilian areas.

The IDF stressed that efforts were made to minimize collateral damage. “We use precision-guided munitions to ensure that we are only targeting Hamas operatives and infrastructure, not civilians,” said the IDF spokesperson. The IDF further emphasized that warnings were issued ahead of the strike to allow civilians to evacuate the area.

Despite these precautions, Palestinian health officials reported casualties, including the deaths of several civilians. The Gaza Health Ministry, run by Hamas, claimed that the Israeli strikes have resulted in “dozens of injuries” and accused Israel of targeting civilian structures. However, these claims could not be independently verified, and Israeli officials have dismissed the accusations as propaganda.

International Reactions

The airstrike has drawn varied international responses. The United States reiterated its support for Israel’s right to self-defense. “Israel has the right to defend itself against terrorism, and we support their efforts to dismantle Hamas’ network of terror,” a U.S. State Department official told Reuters.

European leaders, while affirming Israel’s right to defend itself, have urged restraint to prevent further civilian casualties. “We call on both sides to avoid an escalation that could lead to further loss of innocent lives,” said Josep Borrell, the EU’s top diplomat. The United Nations, which has long expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, called for an immediate ceasefire and access for humanitarian aid.

A Critical Juncture in the Conflict

This latest strike marks a significant escalation in Israel’s military campaign to neutralize Hamas’ ability to operate from underground. The IDF has consistently highlighted Hamas’ extensive network of tunnels, often referred to as the “Gaza Metro,” which the terror group uses to smuggle weapons, move fighters, and hide its leadership.

“The destruction of these tunnels and bunkers is essential to degrading Hamas’ warfighting capability,” said IDF Colonel Eliav Elbaz. “This is a message that we will find them wherever they hide and disrupt their operations.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly made clear that the goal of the ongoing military operations is to degrade Hamas’ military infrastructure to the point where it can no longer threaten Israeli civilians. “We will not cease until Hamas is dismantled, and peace can be restored for the people of Israel,” Netanyahu said in a statement following the strike.

As the conflict drags on, Israel’s reliance on precision strikes, advanced munitions, and real-time intelligence gathering continues to underscore its determination to target Hamas’ infrastructure while minimizing civilian harm. However, the human toll of the strikes, particularly in densely populated Gaza, remains a flashpoint for international criticism, making the path forward fraught with both military and diplomatic challenges.