JERUSALEM (JTA) — The Israel Defense Forces have uncovered a tunnel that runs from the southern Gaza Strip into Israel.

The tunnel, found on Thursday along the border with Israel, marks the second terror tunnel running between Gaza and Israel discovered in the last month, the IDF said in a statement.

“This tunnel was built by Hamas in order to infiltrate Israel and execute terror attacks against the people of southern communities. The IDF will continue its counter terror activities to uncover and neutralize Hamas’ offensive tunnels,” the IDF said in the statement.

It was uncovered as part of “extensive counter terror efforts” by the IDF in the wake of Operation Protective Edge, the 2014 war against Hamas in Gaza, according to the IDF.

The IDF said that the mortar attacks carried out in the last two days by Hamas on the border were directed at Israeli troops conducting operations to target Hamas; terror activities.,

“We stay committed to safeguarding the people of southern Israel while Hamas is committed to violence and terror. No one should be living in fear of being attacked in their home by terrorists infiltrating from underground. The IDF is determined to maintain the safety and stability of the area and will continue to use all means necessary to target Hamas’ terror activities,” IDF Spokesman Lt. Col. Peter Lerner said.