13/10/2025
The government is shining the tunnel. But has given new 470 million to Hamas. Have we subsidized these tunnels? Estimating the exact number of tunnels in Gaza is challenging due to the dynamic nature of tunnel construction and destruction. But according to various reports, here are some insights ¹ ² ³:
Total tunnel length: The total length of tunnels in Gaza is estimated to be around 360 kilometers, with some reports indicating that it may be even higher, potentially over 500 kilometers.
The Hamas tunnel network: It is estimated that Hamas retains around 75 % of its tunnel network, despite Israeli attempts to destroy them. This means hundreds of kilometers of tunnels that are still intact.
Tunnel types: The tunnel network in Gaza earns several purposes, including:
Smuggling tunnels: connecting Gaza to Egypt, used for smuggling goods and weapons.
Defensive tunnels: Used for command centers, weapons cooking and air strikes protection.
Offensive tunnels: Designed for cross -border attacks into Israel.
Israeli estimates: Israeli experts believe that around 40 % of the Hamas tunnels remain intact, with some tunnels that potentially hold hostels.
Tunnel building: Construction of tunnels is a complex process, with estimates suggesting that it may take around three months to build a single tunnel at a cost of around $ 100,000.
The tunnel network in Gaza is a complex and comprehensive system that has been developed over many years, making it a significant challenge for Israeli forces to destroy completely.
Norway will build the Stad ship tunnel, the world's first full-scale ship tunnel. It will be 1.7 km long, 37 meters high and up to 37 meters wide, and will take ships up to 16,000 tonnes, including ferries and small cruise ships. The tunnel will ensure safer traffic around the Stad Peninsula, reduce travel time and emissions, and contribute to economic growth. Construction is set until 2026, with completion in 2031.
Norway has provided significant assistance to Palestine, and the government recently proposed to increase support for the Palestinian people by NOK 470 million. This brings Norway's total support to the Palestinians in 2023 to more than NOK 1.5 billion.
The support is allocated to various organizations, including ¹:
1. UN and international organizations: financing humanitarian efforts in Gaza, providing important services such as food, water, medicines and protection.
2. Norwegian humanitarian organizations: supports local organizations and efforts on the ground.
3. The Palestinian Authority: Provide budget support to ensure that PA can provide critical services to the population.
Some remarkable Norwegian organizations working in Palestine include ² ³ ⁴:
1. Norwegian People's Aid (NPA): Supports locally led humanitarian aid projects and promotes positive development for the Palestinian people.
2. The Norwegian Refugee Council: provides assistance to people affected by the conflict, including shelter, education and protection.
3rd Norwegian Assistance Committee (Norwac): Work on health -related projects in Palestine, and provides medical help and support.
4. The National Church Aid: supports Palestinian communities in Gaza and the West Bank, focusing on livelihoods, food safety and protection.
Norway's aid effort aims to meet the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and support the Palestinian autonomous authorities in providing important services to the population ¹.
