Daijiworld Media Network - Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv, Jun 8: The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have claimed to have discovered a Hamas tunnel network beneath the European Hospital in Khan Yunis, Gaza, which they allege was being used as a command-and-control centre by senior Hamas operatives.
The IDF released video footage on Saturday showing a complex tunnel system with several rooms believed to have housed weapons, operational equipment, and intelligence materials. The footage was reportedly captured during a special operation carried out by the IDF’s 36th Division, in coordination with the Intelligence Directorate, and included elite units such as the Golani Brigade, the Yahalom Unit, and special forces.
“In a special, targeted operation, IDF soldiers located an underground tunnel route beneath the European Hospital, containing numerous findings such as command and control rooms, weapons, and additional intelligence materials,” the IDF said in a statement posted on social media platform X. “Hamas continues to exploit hospitals in Gaza for terrorist purposes, cynically endangering civilians.”
This is not the first time Israel has accused Hamas of using hospitals as military infrastructure. In 2023, the IDF claimed to have found a Hamas tunnel network under Gaza’s largest medical facility, Al Shifa Hospital. That facility was later largely destroyed during the ongoing conflict. Hamas and hospital staff have consistently denied these allegations.
The war between Israel and Hamas erupted on October 7, 2023, following a deadly Hamas attack that killed about 1,200 Israelis and led to many hostages being taken. Since then, Israeli military operations in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of over 54,000 Palestinians, according to health authorities in the enclave.
While both sides have observed temporary ceasefires to facilitate hostage and prisoner exchanges, the fighting has repeatedly resumed. Gaza officials claim that at least 4,402 people have died since the Israeli military offensive resumed on March 18 after a brief pause.
Tensions remain high, with international observers continuing to call for a lasting resolution and an end to civilian suffering in the war-torn region.