Tunnel Complex with Computer Servers Discovered Under UN Aid Agency HQ in Gaza, Reports Say
In a shocking discovery, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have uncovered a tunnel complex with rows of computer servers under the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in Gaza. The IDF claims that this complex belongs to Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007.
The IDF made the announcement on X, formerly Twitter, stating that its soldiers had found the entrance to a tunnel near a school run by UNRWA. This tunnel was connected to a larger one underneath the agency’s main headquarters in Gaza City. The military further revealed that they came across “electrical infrastructure” with rows of computer servers that were using power from the UNRWA building.
To provide evidence of their discovery, the IDF invited journalists from various outlets, including The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), to visit the site. The visit confirmed that part of the tunnel did indeed run underneath the HQ’s courtyard. However, it did not offer conclusive proof that Hamas militants had carried out operations in the tunnel, as reported by The Associated Press.
The WSJ report published a photo showing a room containing eight black server racks, which Israeli military officials claim to be a Hamas intelligence hub. This finding sheds light on the extensive network of tunnels constructed by Hamas beneath the Gaza Strip. In December, Reuters reported that Hamas had built over 310 miles of tunnels, equivalent to half the length of the New York subway system. The Israeli military has even given this underground network the nickname “the Gaza metro.”
The discovery has raised concerns and prompted calls for an independent inquiry by the UNRWA. The agency stated that it lacks the military and security expertise to conduct inspections of what may be under its premises. It also emphasized its commitment to holding any UN employee involved in acts of terror accountable, including through criminal prosecution.
The UNRWA plays a crucial role in facilitating the delivery of international aid to the people of Gaza, as well as providing essential services such as housing and schooling. However, Israel’s attacks on Gaza have caused a humanitarian crisis in the territory. The British Red Cross reported that the Gaza Strip now has the highest share of a population facing high food insecurity ever recorded. Additionally, approximately 75% of the population, which amounts to roughly 2.2 million people, have been displaced due to the conflict.
As tensions continue to rise, international warnings are mounting ahead of Israel’s planned offensive against Rafah, one of the last refuges for Gazans fleeing the violence. Business Insider reached out to the UNRWA for comment but has yet to receive a response.
The discovery of the tunnel complex with computer servers under the UNRWA headquarters in Gaza has brought attention to the ongoing conflict and its devastating impact on the region. It serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics at play and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to ensure the well-being of all those affected by the conflict in Gaza.
