Israel Discovers Hamas Tunnel Beneath Gaza's European Hospital
In a dramatic revelation, Israeli forces uncovered a strategically placed Hamas tunnel beneath the European Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, where they found the body of Mohammed Sinwar, the military chief of Hamas. This discovery followed a targeted operation conducted last month.
High-Ranking Hamas Commanders Found Dead
Alongside Sinwar, Mohammad Shabana, the commander of the Rafah Brigade and one of Hamas's most experienced leaders, was also found dead in the tunnel complex. Brigadier General Effie Defrin, spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), mentioned that several other militants were present in the tunnel and are still under identification.
Defrin led a small group of foreign journalists through the claustrophobic tunnel system beneath the hospital, describing it as a major command and control center for Hamas operations in the region.
Use of Civilian Infrastructure Raises Controversy
Highlighting the widespread issue, Brigadier General Defrin criticized Hamas for repeatedly using civilians as shields by embedding their operations within civilian structures, specifically hospitals. "Underneath the hospital, right beneath the emergency room, we found a compound comprising several rooms," he revealed. "In one of these rooms, we confronted and killed Mohammed Sinwar."
While the Israeli government had announced Sinwar's death previously, the IDF has now confirmed it through DNA evidence. Hamas has not issued any statements confirming or denying the death of Sinwar or Shabana.
Background on Key Figures and Tunnel Networks
- Mohammed Sinwar was the younger brother of late Yahya Sinwar, the top Hamas leader responsible for the October 2023 attack on Israel that claimed 1,200 lives, according to Israeli sources.
- Mohammad Shabana was instrumental in engineering the extensive tunnel network beneath Rafah, used for ambushes and cross-border operations.
The Scale of Devastation in Khan Younis
The military operation through Khan Younis exposed widespread destruction, with countless buildings reduced to rubble and debris lining the streets. The IDF has repeatedly targeted hospitals during the conflict, accusing Hamas of using medical facilities as cover for military activities—a claim Hamas denies. Some Israeli allegations remain unverified despite submitted evidence.
Defrin emphasized that the recent strike was meticulously planned to avoid damaging the hospital itself, noting a large trench dug in front of the emergency room provided access to the tunnel below.
Recovered Materials and Future Implications
Within the tunnel, Israeli forces seized weapon caches, ammunition, currency, and important documents now under review to extract intelligence. Defrin asserted, "We must dismantle Hamas; living next to this terror organization is unacceptable."
The ongoing conflict has had devastating human consequences, with Gaza health authorities reporting over 54,000 Palestinian deaths. Meanwhile, the United Nations has warned that a majority of Gaza's 2.3 million residents face the threat of famine amid the siege.
As tensions continue to escalate, this tunnel discovery shines a stark light on the complex and brutal nature of warfare in Gaza, underscoring the challenges of combating militant groups operating within densely populated civilian zones.
