Israeli Military Discovers Tunnels Under UNRWA Headquarters in Gaza City
In a shocking revelation, the Israeli military has uncovered tunnels beneath the main headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestinian refugees in Gaza City. The discovery has raised serious allegations against Hamas militants, who are believed to have used the space as an electrical supply room. This latest development comes as part of Israel’s ongoing campaign against the embattled agency, which it accuses of collaborating with Hamas.
The Israeli military invited journalists to witness the tunnel on Thursday, providing a glimpse into the underground network. While it could not definitively prove that Hamas militants operated in the tunnels beneath the UNRWA facility, it did establish that a portion of the tunnel ran underneath the facility’s courtyard. The military claimed that the headquarters supplied electricity to these tunnels.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini expressed surprise at the findings and called for an independent inquiry, which the agency is unable to conduct due to the ongoing war. Lazzarini stated that UNRWA had no knowledge of the facility’s underground infrastructure. However, given the gravity of the situation, an investigation is warranted to ascertain the truth.
The UNRWA headquarters, located on the western edge of Gaza City, now lie in ruins. Israeli forces used a well-known tactic to locate the tunnel, overturning mounds of red earth to create a crater-like hole that revealed a small tunnel entrance. Journalists were able to witness soldiers standing in a courtyard within the UNRWA facility through a hole in the tunnel.
Inside one of the UNRWA buildings, journalists saw a room filled with computers connected to wires that stretched into the ground. Soldiers then led them to an underground room where they claimed these wires were connected. The room featured electrical cabinets and numerous cables, serving as a hub for powering the tunnel infrastructure in the area.
Hamas has previously admitted to constructing an extensive network of tunnels across Gaza. The Israeli offensive has aimed to destroy these tunnels, which are allegedly used by Hamas to transport fighters, weapons, and supplies throughout the territory. Israel has accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields and has exposed many tunnels near mosques, schools, and U.N. facilities.
Lazzarini emphasized that UNRWA is a humanitarian organization without military or security expertise. He stated that the agency had conducted regular inspections of the facility, including one in September. UNRWA remains unaware of what lay beneath its headquarters and how the facility may have been used.
During the exploration of the tunnel, journalists also discovered a small bathroom, a room with shelves, and two small vehicles that soldiers claimed were used by militants to navigate the tunnel network. The military reported finding rifles, ammunition, grenades, and explosives in the facility, further supporting their claim that it was utilized by Hamas militants.
Israel has encountered similar makeshift living quarters in tunnels across Gaza throughout its four-month-long campaign. The offensive was launched in response to Hamas militants attacking Israel on October 7, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of 250 hostages. Since then, Israeli airstrikes and ground operations have caused immense devastation, claiming the lives of over 27,000 Palestinians and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
As we leave the decimated UNRWA headquarters, it becomes evident that barely any windows remain intact. The walls are riddled with bullet holes, and shrapnel is scattered everywhere. U.N. vehicles lie in ruins atop the debris. Dogs roam the area, a stark reminder of the chaos that has unfolded.
In response to the Israeli allegations, UNRWA spokesperson Touma expressed outrage at the Israeli army’s occupation of their largest headquarters. The situation remains highly contentious, with both sides presenting conflicting narratives. An independent investigation is crucial to shed light on the truth and hold accountable those responsible for any wrongdoing.
The discovery of tunnels beneath the UNRWA headquarters in Gaza City has further escalated tensions in an already volatile region. The implications of these findings are far-reaching, impacting not only the relationship between Israel and UNRWA but also the humanitarian efforts in Gaza. As the conflict continues, it is imperative to prioritize the safety and well-being of civilians caught in the crossfire and seek a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.
