New York City, NY – A recent social media post by Jen Monroe has sparked discussion by claiming that The New York Times "denied for years that the tunnels under Gaza existed, despite the mountains of evidence that they do." This assertion, however, stands in direct contrast to years of comprehensive reporting by the newspaper on the intricate subterranean network.
The New York Times has, for over a decade, published numerous articles, interactive features, and detailed analyses confirming the presence, expansion, and strategic significance of tunnels beneath the Gaza Strip. As early as 2014, the Times reported on the discovery of 23 tunnels with 66 access points, highlighting their use by Hamas for military operations and cross-border attacks. More recently, in late 2023 and 2024, the publication provided in-depth coverage, including interactive maps and on-the-ground reports, detailing the vastness of the network, often dubbed the "Gaza Metro."
Estimates from Israeli defense officials, cited by The New York Times, suggest the tunnel network spans between 350 and 450 miles, a significant figure given Gaza's total area of approximately 140 square miles. These tunnels, some reportedly wide enough for vehicles and reaching depths of over 150 feet, serve as command bunkers, weapons depots, and routes for transporting fighters and supplies. The Israeli military has also indicated that there are thousands of separate shafts leading to these underground passages, many located beneath civilian structures like hospitals and schools.
The tweet further speculated, "> So I guess it stands to reason that they think all the food given to Gaza was abducted by aliens or something," implying a denial of humanitarian aid issues. While the Times has extensively covered the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including challenges with aid distribution, its reporting has consistently attributed issues to various factors within the conflict, including allegations of Hamas diverting resources. For instance, Israeli officials, as reported by the Times, have accused Hamas of diverting building materials, such as concrete, intended for civilian use towards tunnel construction.
The New York Times' consistent and detailed reporting on the Gaza tunnels, often featuring direct access to military tours and expert analysis, clearly establishes its long-standing recognition and investigation of this critical aspect of the Gaza conflict.