IDF troops ‘destroy major weapons production post’
IDF claims new photographs taken near Al-Shifa prove that Hamas has been using the largest hospital in Gaza to hide and avoid strikes from its forces.
The Israel Defence Forces posted new footage purportedly taken near the main fence of the hospital showing what they claim to be the entrance to an operational tunnel shaft leading underneath the building.
They insisted the new video proves Hamas militants have been using the hospital and anyone seeking shelter and refuge inside as a “human shield.
The IDF said: “IDF and ISA forces revealed a significant 55-meter-long terrorist tunnel, 10 meters underneath the Al-Shifa Hospital complex during an intelligence-based operation.
“The tunnel entrance contains various defence mechanisms, such as a blast-proof door and a firing hole, in an attempt by Hamas to block Israeli forces from entering.
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“For weeks we’ve been telling the world about Hamas’ cynical use of the residents of Gaza and patients of Shifa Hospital as human shields. Here is more proof.”
After searching the grounds for days, Israel’s army said Sunday it had discovered a 55-meter (60-yard) tunnel about 10 meters (33 feet) under the hospital’s 20-acre complex, which includes several buildings, garages and a plaza.
It said the tunnel included a staircase, a blast-proof door and a firing hole that could be used by snipers. The army said it was still uncovering the tunnel’s route.
The new clip comes after days of Israel facing criticism for its forces entering the facility and questioning staff and patients about Hamas’s presence inside.
The hospital’s head of plastic surgery, Dr. Ahmed El Mokhallalati, said Israeli troops raided the surgical department, investigated staff and patients, and arrested one patient.
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The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the incident.
Israel has long alleged Hamas maintains a sprawling command post inside and under Al-Shifa, part of its wider accusation that the fighters use civilians as cover.
It has portrayed the hospital as a key target in its war to end Hamas’ rule in Gaza following the militant group’s wide-ranging attack on southern Israel six weeks ago.
Hamas and hospital staff earlier denied the allegations of a command post under Al-Shifa, and critics describe the hospital as a symbol of what they call Israel’s reckless endangerment of civilians.
Thousands have been killed in Israeli strikes, and there are severe shortages of food, water, medicine and fuel in the besieged territory.
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