The Israeli military said its engineers had uncovered a tunnel 10 meters deep. (Screengrab)
The Smartencyclopedia Staff & Agencies
The Israeli military has uncovered a 55-meter-long tunnel running beneath the Al-Shifa hospital complex in Gaza. The tunnel, which was discovered on Sunday, is said to be part of a network of tunnels used by Hamas militants to move around the Gaza Strip and launch attacks against Israel.
The Israeli military has accused Hamas of using the Al-Shifa hospital as a base for its operations. Hamas and medical staff at the hospital have denied the accusations.
The discovery of the tunnel comes as Israel continues its military operation in Gaza, which was launched in response to a wave of rocket attacks from Hamas militants. The operation has drawn widespread international condemnation, with many calling for an immediate ceasefire.
Tunnel Details
The tunnel is located 10 meters below ground and is accessible from a fortified shaft with a spiral staircase. The entrance to the tunnel was discovered when a military bulldozer knocked down a wall in the hospital complex.
The Israeli military has not yet attempted to open the blast door at the end of the tunnel for fear that it may be booby-trapped. Intelligence suggests that the tunnel may either split into two or lead to a “big room for command and control.”
Other Findings
Israeli troops also discovered a white Toyota pickup truck containing rocket-propelled grenades, explosives, grenades, and AK-47s inside the hospital compound. The military says that the truck is “identical” to those used by Hamas militants in a recent attack on Israel.
International Condemnation
The operation in Al-Shifa has drawn widespread international condemnation. The World Health Organization has described the hospital as a “death zone” and has called for an immediate ceasefire.
Conclusion
The discovery of the tunnel under the Al-Shifa hospital is a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The tunnel is likely to be used by Hamas militants to carry out attacks against Israel, and its discovery is likely to further escalate the conflict.