Jerusalem - In a recent development, Israel has released video footage showcasing what it claims to be a tunnel constructed by Palestinian militants beneath the Gaza Strip's largest hospital. The discovery took place amid Israel's ongoing search-and-destroy missions against Hamas, marking the seventh week of the conflict.
While Hamas has acknowledged possessing an extensive network of tunnels, bunkers, and access shafts within the Gaza Strip, the militant group denies allegations that these structures are located within civilian infrastructure, such as hospitals.
The Israeli military provided an update on its operations at Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, revealing that its engineers had unearthed a tunnel reaching a depth of 10 meters and extending 55 meters to a blast-proof door. The military asserted that such doors are utilized by Hamas to impede Israeli forces from accessing command centers and underground assets belonging to the organization.
Accompanied by video evidence, the military's statement depicted a narrow passage with arched concrete roofing, culminating at a grey door. However, the statement did not disclose the contents beyond the door. The tunnel's entry point was reportedly a shaft discovered in a shed within the Shifa compound, housing munitions.
The revelation of a fortified tunnel beneath Gaza's largest hospital adds a new dimension to the conflict, raising concerns about the potential use of civilian infrastructure for military purposes. The situation further underscores the challenges faced by both sides in the ongoing hostilities and the impact on critical civilian facilities in the region. The discovery is likely to fuel debates on the ethical implications of using such structures in densely populated areas and the broader consequences for the civilian population caught in the crossfire.
OPERATIONAL UPDATE: IDF and ISA forces revealed a significant 55-meter-long terrorist tunnel, 10 meters underneath the Shifa Hospital complex during an intelligence-based operation.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 19, 2023
The tunnel entrance contains various defense mechanisms, such as a blast-proof door and a firing… pic.twitter.com/tU4J6BD4ZG
