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The Israeli military on Wednesday unveiled what it claimed was a Hamas military facility under Gaza’s largest hospital, showing what appeared to be a subterranean dormitory to a group of foreign journalists who were given a rare glimpse inside the besieged enclave. Dozens of soldiers escorted journalists through a narrow stone tunnel — which the military said stretched 150 metres — to a series of underground bunkers beneath Shifa Hospital in a shattered Gaza City. (Agencies Photo)
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The living quarters, located at the end of the tunnel, had an air conditioner, kitchen, bathroom and pair of metal cots in a room fashioned from rusty white tile. They appeared to be out of use. (Reuters Photo)
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Since Israel declared war against Hamas on October 7, it has repeatedly accused the Islamic militant group of using Gaza’s hospitals as cover for military use. (Reuters Photo)
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It has paid special attention to Shifa, saying Hamas has hidden command centres and bunkers underneath the hospital’s sprawling grounds. (Reuters Photo)
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Israel has not yet unveiled this purported centre but the military portrayed the underground hideout as its most significant discovery yet. Hamas and the hospital administration have denied Israel’s accusations. (AP Photo)
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On Wednesday, Israeli soldiers showed the foreign journalists weaponry they said they found at Shifa, including dozens of AK-47 assault rifles, 20 grenades and several drones.(Reuters Photo)
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The war was triggered by Hamas’ October 7 cross-border attack that killed at least 1,200 people and took 240 others hostage. (Reuters Photo)
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The Israeli military has plowed through northern Gaza over the past month, leaving a trail of destruction in its effort to bomb Hamas’ tunnel network and other targets. Hamas fighters have used the underground network to ambush Israeli troops. (Reuters Photo)
