Tessa Quinn
There are conflicting claims about the existence of tunnels under al-Shifa hospital in Gaza. Israel and its supporters claim that tunnels exist under the hospital and that they are used by Hamas for military purposes, including as command centers and for storing weapons. They also claim that Hamas has used the hospital to store hostages. However, critics, including hospital staff, Hamas, and some media outlets, dispute these claims, arguing that the evidence presented by Israel is insufficient or unconvincing. Some have also questioned the indiscriminate nature of the Israeli attack on the hospital, especially if they had detailed knowledge of the tunnels. The existence and purpose of tunnels under al-Shifa hospital remain a highly contested issue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tunnels under Al-Shifa Hospital | Yes, there were tunnels under Al-Shifa Hospital, built by Israel in the 1980s |
| Purpose of the tunnels | Allegedly used by Hamas as a command center, to store weapons, and to hold hostages |
| Evidence of Hamas' presence | Videos, photos, and witness accounts |
| Criticism of evidence | Lack of independent access to the site, limited visual evidence, and skepticism from media outlets |
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What You'll Learn
Evidence of Hamas presence
Israel has provided various forms of evidence to support its claims of Hamas' presence and activities in Al-Shifa Hospital. This includes video footage, photographs, and statements from captured Hamas militants. Israel alleges that Hamas used the hospital as a command and control center, taking advantage of the presence of patients, doctors, and staff as human shields. Israel also claims that Hamas had sealed parts of the tunnel before the army's entry to the hospital, indicating an attempt to conceal their activities.
Supporting Israel's claims, the US stated that its intelligence concurred with Israel's assessment. Additionally, US media outlets, such as The New York Times, examined evidence suggesting Hamas' presence and activities in the hospital. This evidence included tunnel videos, classified Israeli intelligence documents, and satellite imagery. The New York Times reported that Hamas used the hospital for cover, stored weapons inside, and maintained a tunnel beneath the complex that was supplied with water, power, and air conditioning.
Journalists and authors during the 2014 Gaza War described Al-Shifa Hospital as the de facto headquarters of Hamas. They documented how Hamas forces used abandoned areas of the hospital to abduct, torture, and kill Palestinians accused of collaborating with Israel. Additionally, Amnesty International reported similar findings of Hamas' activities within the hospital.
However, critics, including hospital workers, the Palestinian Health Ministry, and some media outlets, have disputed the extent and interpretation of the evidence presented by Israel. While acknowledging the existence of tunnels, they argue that the evidence does not conclusively prove that the tunnels were used as command centers or accessible from within the hospital wards. The Washington Post, for example, analyzed publicly released material and concluded that the rooms connected to the tunnel network did not show evidence of Hamas use.
The debate surrounding Hamas' presence and activities in Al-Shifa Hospital highlights the complexity of the situation and the challenges in verifying claims made by various parties. While evidence suggests Hamas had some level of involvement with the hospital, the extent and nature of their activities remain a subject of ongoing discussion and investigation.
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Israeli military response
The Israeli military response to the alleged tunnels under Al-Shifa Hospital has been a mix of raids, arrests, and information dissemination.
In late October 2023, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement alleging that Hamas had been operating beneath Gaza's Al-Shifa Hospital, using patients, doctors, and staff as human shields to protect its underground headquarters. The IDF also stated that Hamas had sealed parts of the tunnel before their entry into the hospital. This was followed by the release of photos displaying weapons, military equipment, and personal belongings allegedly taken from hostages.
On November 15, 2023, the Israeli army entered Al-Shifa Hospital, claiming to carry out a "precise and targeted operation against Hamas." They published pictures and videos as evidence of Hamas's presence, including a video of a tunnel at Al-Shifa, which was used to create a 3D model. The Israeli military also displayed weapons found inside Al-Shifa, such as grenades placed near an MRI machine, and a Toyota vehicle in the parking lot.
The Israeli military's actions have been justified by their assertion that Hamas was using the hospital for military purposes, including as a command and control center, and for storing weapons and hostages. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak stated that the bunkers underneath Al-Shifa were built by Israel during its occupation of Gaza in the 1980s, and that Hamas had subsequently used them for military operations. However, critics argue that the evidence presented by Israel and the IDF does not conclusively support their claims, and that the burden of proof should be high to justify raiding a hospital.
The raid on Al-Shifa Hospital has had devastating consequences, with hospital workers describing how Israeli forces stripped and arrested civilians and staff, exhumed graves, and forced evacuations at gunpoint. These actions by Israeli forces have led to accusations of indiscriminate attacks and violations of international humanitarian law, which prohibits targeting hospitals unless there is evidence of harmful military use.
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International humanitarian law
In November 2023, Israeli forces entered al-Shifa Hospital, the largest hospital in the Gaza Strip, citing evidence of Hamas military activity. This was based on the discovery of a tunnel network underneath the hospital, which Israel claimed was used by Hamas as a command centre, with access points within hospital wards. Israel also accused Hamas of using the hospital to store weapons, and as a location to hold hostages.
The Israeli military released videos and photos of the tunnels, as well as evidence of Hamas' presence, including weapons, military equipment, and belongings that allegedly belonged to hostages. However, critics argue that the evidence does not support Israel's claims. The burden of proof for justifying a raid on a hospital is high, and so far, the evidence has not conclusively shown that Israeli officials' allegations are correct.
The Washington Post analysed the publicly released material and concluded that the rooms connected to the tunnel network did not show evidence of Hamas use. Additionally, the tunnel network appeared to connect outside the hospital grounds, rather than directly inside the hospital or basement.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak acknowledged that the bunkers underneath al-Shifa Hospital were built by Israel in the 1980s as part of the hospital's construction. This has raised questions about the Israeli forces' attack on the hospital, despite their knowledge of the tunnels.
The debate surrounding the military use of al-Shifa Hospital highlights the complexities of international humanitarian law in conflict zones. The interpretation of evidence and the justification for targeting a hospital, which is typically protected under international law, remain contentious issues in this case.
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Media portrayal
The Israeli government released an animated video that purportedly showed the vast network of Hamas tunnels beneath the hospital. Western news outlets, including CNN, the New York Times, and Sky News, reported on the existence of tunnels under the hospital, with the New York Times creating a 3-D model of the tunnel based on video evidence provided by Israel. The Washington Post, however, analysed the publicly released material by Israel and concluded that the rooms connected to the tunnel network did not show any evidence of being used by Hamas.
Some media outlets have also reported on the consequences of the raid on the hospital, with hospital workers and the Palestinian Health Ministry stating that Israeli forces stripped and arrested civilians and hospital staff, exhumed graves, and forced doctors and patients to evacuate at gunpoint. Critics of the Israeli occupation have pointed out that the burden of proof for the claim about the tunnels should be high to justify the raid on the hospital.
Overall, while the existence of tunnels under Al-Shifa Hospital has been acknowledged by some media outlets, there is a mixed perception regarding the extent of their use by Hamas and the justification for the Israeli raid on the hospital.
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Human rights violations
Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest medical facility in Gaza, has been at the centre of a debate regarding the existence of underground tunnels and their alleged use by Hamas as a "main operations base". The controversy has brought to light several instances of human rights violations, which have been outlined below:
Violation of International Law
International humanitarian law prohibits the targeting of hospitals unless there is evidence of the hospital being used for a military purpose that is "harmful to the enemy". Hospitals are protected under international law, even if they provide medical care for combatants. However, their use for other acts that are "harmful to the enemy" can make them legitimate targets for military action. The Israeli military's raid on Al-Shifa Hospital and its limited findings of military infrastructure have been criticised as a violation of international law. Indonesia's foreign minister, Retno Marsudi, has also accused Israel of violating international law by attacking the Indonesian Hospital, the sole remaining medical facility in northern Gaza.
Human Shields
The use of human shields by combatants is prohibited under international humanitarian law and constitutes a war crime. Israel has accused Hamas of using the hospital staff and patients as human shields, a claim that has been refuted by Hamas and hospital administrators. However, it is important to note that Israeli security forces have also been accused of using Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip as human shields, ordering them to perform military tasks that put their lives at risk.
Right to Life
The right to life is a fundamental human right. The Israeli airstrike on an ambulance convoy leaving Al-Shifa Hospital on 3 November resulted in the deaths of 15 people and wounded 60 others. The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) stated that Israel had targeted Al-Shifa ambulances seven times in the past, resulting in the deaths of four of their personnel. These attacks on ambulances and medical personnel violate the right to life and impede the provision of essential medical services.
Right to Health
The targeting of hospitals and medical infrastructure, such as the destruction of solar panels on Al-Shifa, impacts the functioning of the healthcare system and the ability to provide adequate medical care to those in need. The raid on Al-Shifa Hospital and the disruption of fuel and electricity supplies have further exacerbated the situation, leading to the evacuation of infants and putting the lives of patients at risk.
Freedom of the Press
Journalists covering the Al-Shifa Hospital siege have reported a lack of independent scrutiny, as they are working under the supervision of the Israeli military. This raises concerns about media freedom and the ability to report on the situation without censorship or interference.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there were tunnels under al Shifa Hospital.
Sources indicate that the tunnels were built by Israel in the 1980s as part of the hospital's construction. However, Hamas likely expanded the tunnel network and used it for military operations.
Israel has provided video footage, photographs, and witness testimonies as evidence of Hamas's presence in the tunnels. The evidence suggests that Hamas used the tunnels to store weapons, hold hostages, and conduct military operations.
Israel targeted al Shifa Hospital because they believed Hamas was using the tunnels for military operations, including storing weapons and holding hostages. There are also allegations that Hamas used the hospital as a command and control center during the 2014 Gaza War.
