Israel reports discovery of a 55-meter tunnel beneath Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza
According to statements from the Israeli army, a tunnel measuring 55 meters in length and about 10 meters in depth has been identified directly beneath Al-Shifa, the largest hospital in the Gaza Strip. The information was shared through the Israel Defense Forces channels and has been picked up by various news and information services. The city and regional authorities are closely monitoring the situation as engineers and military personnel assess the tunnel’s structure and access points.
Officials describe the tunnel as having a staircase leading down to a shaft that terminates at an explosion‑proof door. The layout suggests a designed entry and exit point that could enable quick movement between subterranean spaces and the facility above. The IDF has stated that the tunnel is part of a network used to reach Hamas command centers and other underground installations, raising questions about how these facilities interact with civilian infrastructure and emergency response planning. While the military has not released exhaustive technical details, it emphasizes the tunnel’s potential role in facilitating access to strategic targets beyond the hospital complex.
At present, security forces are continuing to investigate the broader environs of Al-Shifa hospital to determine the full scope of the tunnel complex and any additional access routes. The scenario has drawn international attention due to the hospital’s status as a major civilian medical facility and the potential implications for patient safety and hospital operations in conflict zones.
Earlier reports described the Israeli authorities demanding the relocation of medical staff and patients from Al-Shifa. In that context, the situation raised concerns about the welfare of those on site, including vulnerable groups such as premature newborns housed in incubators. The presence of such patients underscores the fragility of hospital operations during times of heightened security and military activity and the need for careful coordination to protect civilian health services.
In related remarks, the World Health Organization indicated its plans to evacuate personnel and patients from Al-Shifa should conditions necessitate relocation for safety or functional reasons. This prospect reflects the broader humanitarian considerations that accompany military actions in dense urban areas where civilian infrastructure and health care facilities are interwoven with military dynamics.
Former Israeli President Isaac Herzog has commented that a Hamas command center is believed to be located beneath the central hospital area in the Gaza Strip. Such assertions contribute to a broader discussion about urban warfare, civilian protection, and the responsibilities of all parties to minimize harm to noncombatants while addressing security threats.
As the investigation proceeds, observers note the ongoing tension between military objectives and humanitarian obligations. Analysts emphasize the importance of transparent information sharing, independent verification where possible, and adherence to international humanitarian law to protect patients, medical staff, and urban health facilities in times of conflict. The situation at Al-Shifa remains fluid, with updates expected as engineers, health authorities, and security forces continue to assess risks, determine access corridors, and implement safety protocols for everyone within and around the hospital complex. Attribution: IDF statements; WHO briefing; public remarks by regional officials.