IDF releases footage of Hamas tunnel network beneath European Hospital in Gaza Strip

It is well known and documented that the terrorist group Hamas has built an extensive tunnel network across Gaza, with passageways leading to civilian homes, schools, mosques and hospitals. These tunnels pose a significant challenge for the Israeli military (IDF), as Hamas operatives use them to conceal themselves among civilians, effectively employing human shields. The network also gives Hamas a tactical edge in coordinating attacks and targeting Israeli forces.

On Saturday, the IDF released footage revealing one such tunnel located beneath the European Hospital in Khan Younis – one of the largest hospitals in the Gaza Strip. According to the IDF, this particular tunnel served as a command-and-control center for senior Hamas operatives.

Footage released by the IDF’s Spokesperson Unit includes drone video from inside the tunnel, revealing a complex infrastructure that branches into multiple rooms that reportedly contain weapons, intelligence materials and operational equipment.

The footage was obtained during an operation conducted by the IDF’s 36th Division, under the guidance of the Intelligence Directorate and involving troops from the Golani Brigade, the Yahalom Unit, and other special forces. During the search, soldiers also discovered the bodies of several Hamas operatives within the tunnel. The identities of the deceased are still being verified.

“This tunnel system beneath the European Hospital highlights Hamas’ ongoing use of civilian infrastructure for terrorist purposes,” the IDF said in a statement. “Hamas cynically exploits hospitals to shield its military operations, putting civilians and medical staff at risk.”

The Israeli military reaffirmed its commitment to exposing and dismantling Hamas’s underground network in Gaza. The newly released footage aims to illustrate the challenges Israeli forces face while operating in densely populated areas.

Additional details from the operation will be shared as they become available, according to the IDF.