2024-01-22 09:12:58
Israeli army forces in the southern Gaza Strip recently uncovered a tunnel in which Hamas held Israeli hostages in conditions it described as “cruel and inhumane.”
In a press conference, Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari said that through “precise intelligence,” soldiers found an entrance to the extensive tunnel network under the house of a Hamas commander in Khan Yunis.
He said that the forces clashed with Hamas militants when they entered the tunnel for the first time and killed them.
He added: “After walking regarding one kilometer into the tunnel, at a depth of regarding 20 meters underground, the soldiers found a central room, and according to the testimonies of the hostages who returned from Gaza, we learned that they spent most of their time in it.”
No hostages were found in the tunnel when Israeli forces arrived.
He added that soldiers found drawings made by 5-year-old Emilia Aloni, who was released in November, among other evidence.
Hagari said that deep in the tunnel, the forces found 5 narrow cells, each containing a mattress and a toilet.
He added: “According to the testimonies we have, regarding 20 hostages were held in this tunnel at different times in harsh conditions without daylight, in air with little oxygen, and terrible humidity that made breathing difficult.”
The Gaza war is under the International Criminal Court… and Charles is fine
He continued: “Some of them were released regarding 50 days ago, and others are still detained in Gaza and may be living in more harsh conditions, including the elderly who need medicine and assistance.”
The Israeli army said that the hostages held in the tunnel were likely transferred by Hamas to another area when the forces arrived and raided the “subway” network.
Citing intelligence assessments, the Israeli army said that Hamas invested millions of dollars in building the tunnel.
This is the second time this month that the army says it has found a tunnel where hostages were being held.
1705921953
#Israel #reveals #evidence.. #tunnel #Hamas #hold #hostages