The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Sunday that they had dismantled a 1.2-kilometre-long underground terrorist route in northern Gaza, intensifying military operations in the conflict-ridden region.
Underground Route Filled with Weapons
In a detailed statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), the IDF revealed that troops uncovered the tunnel during a ground operation. Nearby, they found a weapons storage facility holding 20 explosive devices, an anti-tank guided missile, and other arms.
During the mission, Israeli Air Force (IAF) aircraft struck and killed several suspected militants who were seen planting explosives near Israeli troops.
“IDF troops identified and dismantled a 1.2 km-long underground terrorist route… an IAF aircraft strike eliminated several terrorists,” the IDF wrote on X.
The post also included video footage showing three individuals on the ground near the tunnel site.
Al-Ahli Hospital Targeted in Separate Airstrike
Earlier on Sunday, Israeli missiles struck Gaza’s al-Ahli Hospital, reportedly the last functioning hospital in northern Gaza. The strike destroyed the surgery building and oxygen station, according to Gaza’s Civil Defence.
Patients, including those in critical condition, were evacuated minutes before following a warning issued by Israeli forces.
The Government Media Office in Gaza condemned the strike as a “heinous and filthy crime,” claiming that 34 hospitals have been deliberately disabled by Israeli forces since the conflict began. They accused Israel of systematically dismantling Gaza’s healthcare sector.
Israel Responds: Hospital Housed Hamas Command Centre
In response, the IDF claimed the hospital served as a Hamas command and control centre, alleging it was being used to plan and coordinate attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF troops.
UN Report Reveals Widespread Impact on Healthcare
A December 2024 report by the UN Human Rights Office documented 136 Israeli strikes on 27 hospitals and 12 medical facilities in Gaza between October 7, 2023, and June 30, 2024. These attacks resulted in numerous deaths among healthcare workers and civilians, as well as massive infrastructure damage.
The Escalating Crisis
With the discovery of underground militant infrastructure and the escalation of attacks on civilian institutions, tensions in Gaza continue to rise. The international community has expressed concern over the growing humanitarian crisis, urging both sides to exercise restraint and uphold international laws protecting civilians and medical facilities.
