Are there Hamas tunnels under the hospitals in Gaza?

Hamas tunnel found under Shifa hospital. Credit: ABC-CBN News.

The conflict in the Middle East is marked by complex strategies and tactics, none more controversial than the alleged use of tunnels by Hamas beneath key infrastructure in Gaza. This article delves into the danger, which is held by these tunnels, focusing particularly on their presence under hospitals in Gaza.

Background on Hamas Tunnels

Hamas, a globally recognized terrorist organization, has invested heavily in creating a network of tunnels throughout the Gaza Strip. These underground structures serve multiple purposes: they act as weapons caches, command centers, bunkers, and concealed transportation arteries for terrorists and weaponry, including rocket launchers​​. Recently, according to the testimony of the returned hostages, it turned out that these tunnels were also used to capture the October 7th, 2023 hostages. This network, often described as an underground city, is not just a military asset but also a symbol of Hamas control over the Gaza territory.

Hamas Tunnels Under Hospitals: A Strategic Choice

Hamas tunnel found by IDF under a hospital. Credit: ‘London Evening Standard’ FB page.

One of the most alarming aspects of these tunnels is their reported locations under critical civilian infrastructure, including hospitals. The IDF has released footage showing the expansive tunnel network under the Al Shifa Hospital complex, Gaza’s primary medical center. These tunnels are not rudimentary; they feature well-appointed spaces, complete with air-conditioning and bathrooms​​​​. This strategic placement raises severe ethical and humanitarian concerns, as it puts civilian lives at risk and complicates military operations aimed at neutralizing these threats.

IDF’s Findings and Operational Challenges

The IDF and its special forces have been actively working to uncover and dismantle this tunnel network. Their findings indicate that the tunnels extend from under the central building to other parts of the hospital complex. The discovery of these tunnels has been a significant point of contention, as it demonstrates Hamas’ method of operating underneath hospitals, exploiting them for military purposes​​​​.

The Cost of Building the Tunnels

Building such an extensive network comes at a substantial cost. Hamas has diverted resources, including construction materials meant for civilian projects, to expand this underground network. Since January 2014, thousands of trucks carrying essential construction materials like gravel, iron, and cement have entered Gaza. These materials, intended for building houses, schools, and hospitals, have instead been co-opted for constructing these tunnels​​. This diversion of resources came at the expense of humanitarian needs and could have been used to build dozens of clinics and schools as well as houses over the years.

Conclusion: The Perilous Intersection of Tunnels and Civilian Life

The presence of Hamas tunnels beneath hospitals in Gaza creates a perilous scenario, not just for the residents of Gaza but also for Israel. These tunnels, serving as strategic military assets for Hamas, pose a direct threat to Israeli security. They enable quick and stealthy transport of militants and arms, potentially facilitating attacks on Israeli soil and endangering lives in communities near the Gaza border​​, just as happened in the 7th of October attack.

Simultaneously, the use of civilian structures like hospitals as shields for these tunnels’ places Gazan civilians in grave danger. By embedding their military infrastructure within densely populated areas, Hamas escalates the risk of civilian casualties during conflicts, as any IDF operation to neutralize these threats inevitably becomes intertwined with civilias​​. This tactic not only endangers lives but also gravely violates international laws and norms regarding the protection of civilians in conflict zones.

Furthermore, the immense resources diverted towards tunnel construction highlights a tragic misallocation in Gaza. While significant funds and materials are poured into expanding this underground network, essential civilian needs, such as housing, healthcare, and education, remain woefully unaddressed. This diversion of resources underscores the heavy cost that Gazan civilians pay, as potential improvements to their quality of life are overshadowed by the prioritization of military objectives over civilian welfare.