• Source:JND
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The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Saturday asserted that it had uncovered an elaborate Hamas tunnel network underneath the European Hospital in Khan Yunis, Gaza. The military operation is said to have revealed command and control centers, stores of weapons, and sensitive intelligence documents used by Hamas fighters. The IDF published videos on the social media site X, which showed a hidden underground infrastructure underneath the hospital complex. The discovery came in the course of a joint targeted operation conducted by the 36th Division, Yahalom unit, the Golani Brigade, and special forces, all under the direction of Israel's Intelligence Directorate. "In a special, targeted operation, IDF soldiers located an underground tunnel route containing numerous findings such as command and control rooms, weapons, and additional intelligence materials. Hamas continues to exploit hospitals in Gaza for terrorist purposes, cynically exploiting and endangering civilians," the Israeli military stated.

Tunnels Used To Plot Attacks, Says IDF

The army blamed Hamas for utilising the European Hospital facility as a command center for plotting attacks against Israeli soldiers. The tunnel complex was equipped with operational hubs, army equipment, and records related to ongoing operations, according to the IDF. This is not the first instance of Israel alleging that Hamas has inserted its military infrastructure among civilian populations. In 2023, the IDF claimed to have found such networks of tunnels under Gaza's Al Shifa Hospital, though denied by Hamas and hospital officials.

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In another development, the Israeli military also reported eliminating two high-ranking operatives belonging to the Mujahideen terrorist group in a targeted attack. As'ad Abu Sharaiya, who was identified as the group's Gaza commander, and Mahmoud Muhammad Hamid Kuhail were eliminated in what IDF labeled a successful "targeted elimination. "Abu Sharaiya was directly involved in the planning of the October 7 massacre and was directly involved in the kidnapping and murder of Israeli civilians, including members of the Bibas family," the IDF stated. The statement also linked him to the abduction of several other civilians, including foreign nationals, and accused him of orchestrating terror activities in Judea, Samaria, and within Israeli territory.

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October 7 Attack And Death Toll

The Israel-Hamas war broke out on October 7, 2023, after a vicious surprise attack by Hamas militants killed about 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, and took 251 hostages. Partially released in exchange agreements and ceasefires, some of the hostages are still missing or officially dead. Israel retaliated with a massive military operation, which destroyed much of Gaza. More than 54,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, died in the fighting, according to Gaza's health ministry. Close to 90 per cent of Gaza's population, more than 2 million people, have been displaced. Temporary ceasefires have periodically interrupted the bloodshed, allowing for hostage-prisoner swaps. But since the resumption of fighting on March 18, more than 4,400 additional Palestinians have been killed, local health officials have reported.