Col. Golan Vach Injured in Gaza Tunnel Collapse Amid IDF Demolition Efforts

Central Gaza Strip Israel – September 10, 2024 (VINnews)-Col. (res.) Golan Vach, a senior officer in Israel’s Home Front Command and a leading figure in search and rescue operations, was seriously wounded this morning when a tunnel collapsed in the central Gaza Strip. The collapse occurred during ongoing efforts by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to investigate and demolish underground tunnels used by militant groups in the area.

Vach, who is renowned for his role in past international and domestic rescue missions, was reportedly trapped inside the tunnel after the collapse. Emergency teams quickly responded to the scene and were able to rescue the colonel from the debris. Following his extraction, Vach was airlifted to a hospital in Israel, where he is listed in stable condition, according to IDF sources.

The incident comes amid heightened IDF efforts to neutralize the vast network of tunnels beneath Gaza, which are frequently used by militant groups for smuggling, military activities, and launching attacks against Israel. The operation is part of a broader strategy aimed at securing the border and preventing future incursions or attacks from Hamas and other groups operating in the region.

The IDF has not yet released additional details on the circumstances of the collapse or the ongoing tunnel investigation. However, officials emphasized that the efforts to uncover and dismantle the tunnel networks would continue despite today’s setback.

Col. Vach, a reservist, has played a crucial role in some of Israel’s most high-profile rescue missions, both within the country and abroad. His expertise in search and rescue operations has made him a key figure in Israel’s efforts to respond to disasters and emergencies.

The IDF has extended its support to Vach’s family and praised the swift actions of the rescue teams that secured his safe extraction.

Ongoing Tunnel Operations in Gaza
Israel has long maintained that the tunnel networks beneath Gaza pose a significant security threat, as they enable the movement of weapons, militants, and supplies, allowing for attacks against Israeli targets. In response, the IDF has invested heavily in technology and ground operations to locate and destroy these tunnels.

The operation in the central Gaza Strip, where Col. Vach was injured, is one of several such missions aimed at neutralizing this subterranean infrastructure.

The collapse and injury of such a senior figure highlight the risks involved in these complex and dangerous operations, but Israeli officials insist the work is necessary to protect civilians and military personnel from future attacks.

As of now, Col. Vach’s condition is being closely monitored, and further updates on his recovery are expected in the coming days.