At the end of a kilometre-long, booby-trapped&nbsp;tunnel&nbsp;in the Gaza Strip, Israeli soldiers discovered cramped cells where the military said&nbsp;Hamas&nbsp;kept about 20 hostages.

They found a holding area, five narrow rooms behind metal bars, toilets, mattresses, and even drawings by a child hostage who was freed during a November truce, military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said.

No hostages were there when it was discovered.

WATCH |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Children, women becoming first victims of the Gaza war, says UN

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The military released photos from the underground labyrinth and said it brought in journalists to document the&nbsp;tunnel&nbsp;before it was destroyed.

The tunnel entrance, Hagari said, was in the house of a Hamas member in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, where Israel has been focusing its fight in recent weeks against the Palestinian Islamist group.

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"The soldiers entered the tunnel where they encountered terrorists, engaging in a battle that ended with the elimination of the terrorists," Hagari said.

The tunnel was rigged with blast doors and explosives, he said.

"According to the testimonies we have, about 20 hostages were held in this tunnel at different times under harsh conditions without daylight, in dense air with little oxygen, and terrible humidity that makes breathing difficult," he said.

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Some of the hostages kept there were freed during the week-long Qatari-mediated truce. Others are among the more than 130 captured during Hamas' October&nbsp;7 rampage through southern Israel that are still in Gaza.

At the end of a kilometre-long, booby-trapped tunnel in the Gaza Strip, Israeli soldiers discovered cramped cells where the military said Hamas kept about 20 hostages.

At the end of a kilometre-long, booby-trapped tunnel in the Gaza Strip, Israeli soldiers discovered cramped cells where the military said Hamas kept about 20 hostages. They found a holding area, five narrow rooms behind metal bars, toilets, mattresses, and even drawings by a child hostage who was freed during a November truce, military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said. No hostages were there when it was discovered. WATCH | Israel-Hamas war: Children, women becoming first victims of the Gaza war, says UN The military released photos from the underground labyrinth and said it brought in journalists to document the tunnel before it was destroyed. The tunnel entrance, Hagari said, was in the house of a Hamas member in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, where Israel has been focusing its fight in recent weeks against the Palestinian Islamist group. ALSO READ | Iran says Israeli strike on Damascus killed Guards’ Syria spy chief along with 4 others "The soldiers entered the tunnel where they encountered terrorists, engaging in a battle that ended with the elimination of the terrorists," Hagari said. The tunnel was rigged with blast doors and explosives, he said. "According to the testimonies we have, about 20 hostages were held in this tunnel at different times under harsh conditions without daylight, in dense air with little oxygen, and terrible humidity that makes breathing difficult," he said. ALSO READ | Israel to get 'real slap in the face' if aggression expanded, warns Hezbollah Some of the hostages kept there were freed during the week-long Qatari-mediated truce. Others are among the more than 130 captured during Hamas' October 7 rampage through southern Israel that are still in Gaza.

Israeli soldiers uncover Gaza tunnel that once held hostages

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), on Wednesday (Dec 27) announced that they have located and destroyed three tunnel shafts near Rantisi Children’s Hospital and a nearby school in Gaza City which they claim are connected to passages beneath the medical centre and are used by the Palestinian militant group Hamas.&nbsp;

<h2>Tunnels&nbsp;were&nbsp;being used as Hamas ‘command centre’: IDF</h2>

The three shafts “are connected by a wide underground network that runs under the hospital, is several kilometres long and leads to strategic points in the heart of Gaza City,” said the Israeli army, as quoted by the Times of Israel.&nbsp;

The tunnel shafts were said to have been destroyed using explosives. According to the Israeli military, the tunnel at Rantisi was used by Hamas as a command centre.&nbsp;

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IDF troops are uncovering Hamas’ tunnels inside and around multiple hospitals within Gaza. 
 
The Rantisi Hospital is just another terrorist stronghold used to connect and transfer terrorists and weapons throughout Gaza to be used against Israelis. <a href="https://t.co/aYBkpgsfn9">pic.twitter.com/aYBkpgsfn9</a>
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1740084607762973123?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Back in November, the IDF showed what it said was proof that the basement of Rantisi was used by Hamas to hide weapons and possibly hold hostages that were taken to Gaza following Hamas’ October 7 attacks on Israel.&nbsp;

IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari, in November, showed what he claimed was an underground command centre under the Rantisi Hospital and had suicide vests, rocket-propelled grenades, along with&nbsp;baby bottles and improvised toilets which he said indicated that Hamas held hostages there.&nbsp;

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According to the Israeli army, one of the three shafts found in a high school adjacent to Rantisi was equipped with an elevator heading down some 20 metres. While another shaft was said to be the home of a commander in Hamas’ naval forces and was equipped with a blast door.&nbsp;

The tunnel network was demolished by combat engineers after being investigated, said the IDF.&nbsp;

<h2>WHO says Gazans in ‘grave peril’</h2>

The World Health Organization, on Wednesday, said that the people in Gaza are in “grave peril” citing acute hunger and desperation throughout the war-torn Palestinian territory. This comes as Israel is facing growing criticism from across the world over mounting civilian casualties amid its war with Hamas in Gaza.&nbsp;

The United Nations health agency said that it delivered supplies to two hospitals on Tuesday (Dec 26), and only 15 out of 36 hospitals in the Gaza Strip are functioning in any capacity at all.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-deaths-soar-as-israel-says-war-to-last-many-more-months-674161">Gaza deaths soar as Israel says war to last 'many more months'</a>

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called on the international community to take “urgent steps to alleviate the grave peril facing the population of Gaza".

The Hamas-run Palestinian health ministry, on Wednesday (Dec 27) said that the death toll since the beginning of Israel’s retaliatory attacks has killed at least 21,110 people and left around 55,243 others injured.&nbsp;

The conflict erupted when Hamas gunmen attacked southern Israel on October 7 resulting in the deaths of about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli officials. Palestinian militants also took over 200&nbsp;hostages, 129 of whom remain in captivity, says Israel.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), on Wednesday (Dec 27) announced that they have located and destroyed three tunnel shafts near Rantisi Children’s Hospital and a nearby school in Gaza City which they claim are connected to passages beneath the medical centre and are used by the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), on Wednesday (Dec 27) announced that they have located and destroyed three tunnel shafts near Rantisi Children’s Hospital and a nearby school in Gaza City which they claim are connected to passages beneath the medical centre and are used by the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Tunnels were being used as Hamas ‘command centre’: IDF The three shafts “are connected by a wide underground network that runs under the hospital, is several kilometres long and leads to strategic points in the heart of Gaza City,” said the Israeli army, as quoted by the Times of Israel. The tunnel shafts were said to have been destroyed using explosives. According to the Israeli military, the tunnel at Rantisi was used by Hamas as a command centre. IDF troops are uncovering Hamas’ tunnels inside and around multiple hospitals within Gaza. The Rantisi Hospital is just another terrorist stronghold used to connect and transfer terrorists and weapons throughout Gaza to be used against Israelis. pic.twitter.com/aYBkpgsfn9 — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) December 27, 2023 × Back in November, the IDF showed what it said was proof that the basement of Rantisi was used by Hamas to hide weapons and possibly hold hostages that were taken to Gaza following Hamas’ October 7 attacks on Israel. IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari, in November, showed what he claimed was an underground command centre under the Rantisi Hospital and had suicide vests, rocket-propelled grenades, along with baby bottles and improvised toilets which he said indicated that Hamas held hostages there. ALSO READ | Lavrov hails 'mutually beneficial' India-Russia ties, Jaishankar calls Moscow a 'time-tested partner' According to the Israeli army, one of the three shafts found in a high school adjacent to Rantisi was equipped with an elevator heading down some 20 metres. While another shaft was said to be the home of a commander in Hamas’ naval forces and was equipped with a blast door. The tunnel network was demolished by combat engineers after being investigated, said the IDF. WHO says Gazans in ‘grave peril’ The World Health Organization, on Wednesday, said that the people in Gaza are in “grave peril” citing acute hunger and desperation throughout the war-torn Palestinian territory. This comes as Israel is facing growing criticism from across the world over mounting civilian casualties amid its war with Hamas in Gaza. The United Nations health agency said that it delivered supplies to two hospitals on Tuesday (Dec 26), and only 15 out of 36 hospitals in the Gaza Strip are functioning in any capacity at all. ALSO READ | Gaza deaths soar as Israel says war to last 'many more months' WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called on the international community to take “urgent steps to alleviate the grave peril facing the population of Gaza". The Hamas-run Palestinian health ministry, on Wednesday (Dec 27) said that the death toll since the beginning of Israel’s retaliatory attacks has killed at least 21,110 people and left around 55,243 others injured. The conflict erupted when Hamas gunmen attacked southern Israel on October 7 resulting in the deaths of about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli officials. Palestinian militants also took over 200 hostages, 129 of whom remain in captivity, says Israel. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Israeli Army claims to have destroyed Hamas tunnels under Gaza’s Rantisi hospital

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Israeli forces battling Hamas said they had uncovered an unusually large concrete and iron-girded tunnel, designed to carry carloads of militant fighters from Gaza right up to the border.

Israel uncovers 'biggest Hamas tunnel' near Gaza| N.Korea's ballistic missile

The Israeli military on Thursday (Nov 23) confirmed the arrest of the al Shifa Hospital director, saying that he is being held for questioning as it reiterated its claims that the hospital complex served as the nerve centre for Hamas militants.

Earlier, the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry said that Dr Muhammad Abu Salmiya, who heads al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, has been detained along with "some of the medical staff”.

The Palestinian group added that it "strongly condemned" his arrest, describing it as "nothing less than despicable" and "lacking any sense of humanity and morals".

Hours later, the Israeli Defence Force confirmed his confinement in a post on social media platform X.

<h2>Israel reiterates hospital serves as command centre for Hamas</h2>

“Following indisputable evidence indicating the Shifa Hospital served as a Hamas command and control centre, the director of the hospital was apprehended and transferred for questioning by the ISA.”

“Not only did Hamas exploit the hospital's electricity and resources to build and sustain an extensive network of terrorist tunnels under it, its terrorists also sought refuge there immediately after committing the massacre of October 7, taking Israeli hostages with them.”

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Following indisputable evidence indicating the Shifa Hospital served as a Hamas command and control center, the director of the hospital was apprehended and transferred for questioning by the ISA. 
 
Not only did Hamas exploit the hospital's electricity and resources to build and…
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1727692407997714602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
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According to Al Jazeera, Salmiya was arrested while travelling in a World Health Organization-operated convoy with other medical personnel and patients.

Earlier in an interview to CNN, an IDF official said that Salmiya had to be questioned about the alleged presence of Hamas operatives inside the hospital.

“He was in a constant state of denial saying it doesn't happen. How could a General Manager of the hospital not know about the extent of the tunnel system?”

<h2>Raid at hospital condemned by WHO, Hamas</h2>

Israeli forces believe that&nbsp;Hamas was operating out of tunnels below the hospital.

Last week, Israeli security forces conducted a raid on the hospital, claiming the presence of a Hamas command centre inside the complex and the use of patients and doctors as human shields.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/qatar-says-hostage-release-to-start-7am-friday-first-13-captives-to-be-out-at-4pm-662051">Qatar: Israel-Hamas truce to start 7am Friday, 13 captives to be out at 4pm</a>

Even as Hamas denied the claims, the US intelligence officials backed Israel’s assertions. However, President Joe Biden and other officials from his administration insisted that civilians inside the hospital must be protected.

Also read |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-three-children-among-five-hospitalised-after-dublin-stabbing-reports-662053">Dublin: At least 3 children among 5 hospitalised after suspected stabbing</a>

The World Health Organization had raised an alarm about fighting inside the hospital over the weekend, describing the hospital as a “death zone” and seeking the immediate evacuation of patients and medical staff.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

The Israeli military on Thursday (Nov 23) confirmed the arrest of the al Shifa Hospital director, saying that he is being held for questioning as it reiterated its claims that the hospital complex served as the nerve centre for Hamas militants.

The Israeli military on Thursday (Nov 23) confirmed the arrest of the al Shifa Hospital director, saying that he is being held for questioning as it reiterated its claims that the hospital complex served as the nerve centre for Hamas militants. Earlier, the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry said that Dr Muhammad Abu Salmiya, who heads al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, has been detained along with "some of the medical staff”. The Palestinian group added that it "strongly condemned" his arrest, describing it as "nothing less than despicable" and "lacking any sense of humanity and morals". Hours later, the Israeli Defence Force confirmed his confinement in a post on social media platform X. Israel reiterates hospital serves as command centre for Hamas “Following indisputable evidence indicating the Shifa Hospital served as a Hamas command and control centre, the director of the hospital was apprehended and transferred for questioning by the ISA.” “Not only did Hamas exploit the hospital's electricity and resources to build and sustain an extensive network of terrorist tunnels under it, its terrorists also sought refuge there immediately after committing the massacre of October 7, taking Israeli hostages with them.” Following indisputable evidence indicating the Shifa Hospital served as a Hamas command and control center, the director of the hospital was apprehended and transferred for questioning by the ISA. Not only did Hamas exploit the hospital's electricity and resources to build and… — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 23, 2023 × According to Al Jazeera, Salmiya was arrested while travelling in a World Health Organization-operated convoy with other medical personnel and patients. Earlier in an interview to CNN, an IDF official said that Salmiya had to be questioned about the alleged presence of Hamas operatives inside the hospital. “He was in a constant state of denial saying it doesn't happen. How could a General Manager of the hospital not know about the extent of the tunnel system?” Raid at hospital condemned by WHO, Hamas Israeli forces believe that Hamas was operating out of tunnels below the hospital. Last week, Israeli security forces conducted a raid on the hospital, claiming the presence of a Hamas command centre inside the complex and the use of patients and doctors as human shields. Also read | Qatar: Israel-Hamas truce to start 7am Friday, 13 captives to be out at 4pm Even as Hamas denied the claims, the US intelligence officials backed Israel’s assertions. However, President Joe Biden and other officials from his administration insisted that civilians inside the hospital must be protected. Also read | Dublin: At least 3 children among 5 hospitalised after suspected stabbing The World Health Organization had raised an alarm about fighting inside the hospital over the weekend, describing the hospital as a “death zone” and seeking the immediate evacuation of patients and medical staff. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Israeli military says al Shifa hospital director held for questioning  

An Israeli air strike on the Gaza Strip destroyed a Hamas tunnel giving frogmen unseen access to the sea from their base, the Israeli army said Sunday.

Army spokesman Jonathan Conricus told reporters that the tunnel, the first of its kind discovered by Israeli intelligence, was hit on June 3 in the north of the strip as Israeli aircraft pounded over a dozen militant targets in Gaza.

He said it was probable there were more like it not yet located by Israel.

"We continue to monitor using all our operational, technical and intelligence capabilities that we have at our disposal," he added.

Last week's strikes were launched in retaliation for rockets fired at Israel by Palestinians in Gaza.

Conricus said that the tunnel ran from a military facility of Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas into the Mediterranean sea, "a few dozen metres away" at a depth underwater of two to three metres.

"It could have facilitated hostile activity against the state of Israel," he said, adding that the tunnel's underwater exit was about three kilometres (two miles) from Israel's border.

He said that the tunnel had been used in Hamas training and was "operational".

Clashes with troops on Gaza's land border have seen least 129 Palestinians killed since protests broke out along the Gaza border on March 30.

There have been no Israeli fatalities.

Protests peaked on May 14 when at least 61 Palestinians were killed in demonstrations to coincide with the controversial opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem.

Army spokesman Jonathan Conricus told reporters that the tunnel, the first of its kind discovered by Israeli intelligence, was hit on June 3 in the north of the strip

An Israeli air strike on the Gaza Strip destroyed a Hamas tunnel giving frogmen unseen access to the sea from their base, the Israeli army said Sunday. Army spokesman Jonathan Conricus told reporters that the tunnel, the first of its kind discovered by Israeli intelligence, was hit on June 3 in the north of the strip as Israeli aircraft pounded over a dozen militant targets in Gaza. He said it was probable there were more like it not yet located by Israel. "We continue to monitor using all our operational, technical and intelligence capabilities that we have at our disposal," he added. Last week's strikes were launched in retaliation for rockets fired at Israel by Palestinians in Gaza. Conricus said that the tunnel ran from a military facility of Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas into the Mediterranean sea, "a few dozen metres away" at a depth underwater of two to three metres. "It could have facilitated hostile activity against the state of Israel," he said, adding that the tunnel's underwater exit was about three kilometres (two miles) from Israel's border. He said that the tunnel had been used in Hamas training and was "operational". Clashes with troops on Gaza's land border have seen least 129 Palestinians killed since protests broke out along the Gaza border on March 30. There have been no Israeli fatalities. Protests peaked on May 14 when at least 61 Palestinians were killed in demonstrations to coincide with the controversial opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem.

Israel says it destroyed Hamas undersea tunnel

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Israeli soldiers uncover Gaza tunnel that once held hostages

Israeli Army claims to have destroyed Hamas tunnels under Gaza’s Rantisi hospital

Israel uncovers 'biggest Hamas tunnel' near Gaza| N.Korea's ballistic missile

Israeli military says al Shifa hospital director held for questioning

Israel says it destroyed Hamas undersea tunnel