The Israeli Army has released several visuals of a fortified tunnel located beneath Gaza’s largest hospital, Al Shifa Hospital. According to the Israeli officials, this tunnel is part of a vast underground network used by Hamas for military purposes. The hospital has been at the center of the conflict between Israeli troops and Hamas in recent weeks. However, medical staff and the Palestinian group have denied the allegations made by Israeli officials, stating that the hospital is not being used to hide weapons and command centers.
After conducting extensive raids at the hospital, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) shared videos showing one tunnel equipped with a bathroom, kitchen, and an air-conditioned meeting room. The IDF claimed that this tunnel served as a command post for Hamas operatives. The entrance to the tunnel, which is approximately two meters high, was accessed through an outdoor shaft within the hospital complex grounds. These grounds were previously occupied by tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians, whom the army claims were used as human shields during the conflict.
The IDF also shared drone footage of the tunnel, emphasizing that Hamas uses hospitals as a cover. They posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Al-Shifa Hospital from above, Hamas terror complex below, Hamas hides behind hospitals, and here’s the drone footage that incontrovertibly proves it.” Alongside the post, the IDF included a video showing the tunnel.
Reporters were given the opportunity to descend into the shaft leading to the tunnel, allowing them to witness a portion of the narrow underground passage. However, they were not permitted to enter the hospital or explore the entire complex. Outside the hospital, the military displayed guns, ammunition, and explosives that they claimed were discovered within the Al-Shifa complex.
Israel has faced international criticism for its campaign in Gaza, including the attacks on Al-Shifa Hospital, which is the largest medical facility in the enclave. Medical officials have reported that approximately 13,000 people have been killed in the strip since Hamas launched an attack on Israel on October 7th, resulting in Israel’s claim of 1,200 casualties and 240 hostages.
