Israel takes journalists to see Hamas bunker at Al Shifa hospital

The bunker, about two metres 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 could stay here for a long time. There was an air-conditioned room inside.”

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 the hospital complex in the northern Gaza Strip, past buildings destroyed or abandoned after Israel's nearly seven-week offensive.

The bunker is a solidly built structure with a vaulted roof and paved with stone or concrete. The soldiers escorting the reporters used flashlights to guide them in the darkness and pointed out a small kitchen, a bathroom equipped with a toilet and sink, and a room large enough for a meeting with two metal beds.

The 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 assume there is another exit that 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 cache 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 air strike.

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)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/israel-dan-cac-nha-bao-den-xem-can-ham-bi-mat-cua-hamas-o-benh-vien-al-shifa-post273572.html