The bunker, about two meters high, was accessed through an open-air tunnel within the hospital complex, which once housed tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians who the Israeli military said acted as human shields for Hamas militants.
Israeli soldiers guard an entrance to a secret bunker at Al Shifa hospital. Photo: Reuters
“That’s how they survived because they used the hospital as a human shield to protect themselves,” said Colonel Elad Tsuri, commander of the Israeli armored brigade that found the tunnel. “And they can stay here for a long time. Inside there is an air-conditioned room.”
Israel has long accused Hamas of using the Al Shifa hospital complex as a command center and to hide its forces among the civilian population. Hamas and hospital officials have denied the allegations.
Journalists were driven by Israeli military vehicles to a hospital complex in the northern Gaza Strip, past buildings destroyed or abandoned after Israel's nearly seven-week offensive.
The bunker is a solid, vaulted structure paved with stone or concrete. Soldiers escorting the reporters used flashlights to guide their way in the darkness and pointed out a small kitchen, a bathroom with a toilet and sink, and a meeting room large enough for two metal beds.
Corridor leading to the basement. Photo: Reuters
The basement has a kitchen, bathroom and toilet. Photo: Reuters
The basement has doors leading to different areas. Photo: Reuters
“We believe there is another exit they have prepared. It is not yet open and we are sure that there are many roads leading to the city from here,” said Colonel Tsuri. He said the Israeli military knew that the tunnel had another exit to a kindergarten in Gaza.
Outside on the ground, the Israeli military displayed a large number of guns, grenades and other explosives that military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said had been collected in recent days inside the hospital.
He said the body of one hostage, Noa Marciano, 19, was found by troops outside a nearby medical clinic. Hamas had earlier released a video saying the female hostage had died in an Israeli airstrike.
In Washington, the White House said its independent intelligence supported Israel's claim that Hamas was using Gaza hospitals, including Al Shifa, to conceal command posts. Hamas has denied the allegation.
Bui Huy (according to Reuters)
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