What’s happening
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has released a video that purportedly shows a Hamas tunnel located underneath the al-Shifa hospital complex in Gaza City. The footage reveals what the IDF describes as the first concrete evidence of a complex tunnel network operated by Hamas beneath one of Gaza’s most prominent medical facilities.
Why it matters
The discovery of the tunnel, which was hidden beneath a booby-trapped pickup truck in a hospital garage, highlights the ongoing security challenges Israel faces from Gaza-based militant groups. The use of medical facilities for military purposes by Hamas raises ethical concerns and poses potential risks to patients and medical staff.
Details of the operation
During an operation near the al-Shifa hospital’s in-patient building, IDF troops found and safely detonated a booby-trapped vehicle. The controlled explosion led to the exposure of the tunnel beneath the garage floor, confirming suspicions of Hamas’ use of civilian infrastructure for military activities.
The bigger picture
This incident underscores the complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where militant activities are often interwoven with civilian life. The IDF’s uncovering of the tunnel at a medical facility could further strain the already tense relations between Israel and Gaza.
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This story was first published on theguardian.