Some officials in the administration of US President Joe Biden believe that the flooding may aid in destroying tunnels where Israel suspects the Palestinian militant group is hiding hostages, fighters, and ammunition.
There are concerns among other officials that the seawater could impact Gaza’s drinking water supply.
President Biden avoided directly addressing the flooding but assured that there are no hostages in the designated areas.
In 2015, Egypt flooded tunnels between Gaza and the Sinai Peninsula with seawater, facing criticism for damaging the soil.
The Israeli Air Force reported attacking positions of the Shiite Hezbollah group in Lebanon, responding to rockets fired at Israel.
Israeli forces also targeted positions of the Syrian armed forces in response to shelling from Syria.
