The tensions between Israel and Gaza continue to escalate as Israeli forces have discovered a Hamas command tunnel network running partly under the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) headquarters in Gaza. The tunnel, which is 700 meters long and 18 meters deep, was found to be one of the central commands of Hamas intelligence. It contained a Hamas data center, living quarters, and a significant amount of weapons, including rifles, ammunition, grenades, and explosives. The Israeli military operation resulted in the deaths of approximately 120 Hamas terrorists and the destruction of 20 terrorist infrastructure sites [038d5877] [8fc32d4f] [082907cc] [3224d6d4].
UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini claimed ignorance of the situation, stating that the agency did not know what was under its headquarters in Gaza, as they had left the compound in October 2023 following Israeli evacuation orders and had not used it since. However, Israeli officials provided evidence of Hamas tunnels under UNRWA facilities and called for Lazzarini's resignation. Israel has made repeated complaints about UNRWA, but the UN body has largely ignored them [038d5877] [99742f2b] [082907cc] [3224d6d4].
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini denies knowledge of the Hamas base under UNRWA headquarters in Gaza. Lazzarini states that UNRWA staff evacuated the headquarters on October 12, 2024, following Israeli evacuation orders and intensified bombardment in the area. He mentions that UNRWA is unable to independently verify the claims made by the Israeli Army regarding the presence of troops within the UNRWA Headquarters. Lazzarini emphasizes that UNRWA is a humanitarian organization and does not have the military and security expertise to undertake military inspections of its premises. Foreign Minister Israel Katz criticizes Lazzarini's denial and calls for his resignation, stating that the exposure of UNRWA's involvement with Hamas requires immediate action. Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, also accuses Lazzarini of willful ignorance and calls for his resignation. Government Spokesman Eylon Levy demands that Lazzarini explain the presence of Hamas assets inside and under UNRWA facilities [2abf8205] [082907cc] [3224d6d4]. Israel claims its troops found a Hamas tunnel under the headquarters of the UN relief agency in Gaza. UNRWA says they haven't been there for months [28997f34] [082907cc] [3224d6d4].
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) brought international journalists to the destroyed headquarters of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) to present tunnels previously utilized by Hamas. The IDF alleges that the tunnels were used as an electrical supply room, with power provided directly by the UNRWA compound. Journalists saw a room with electrical cabinets and wires traveling into the ground. While the IDF did not confirm conclusively that Hamas used the space, it was apparent that at least a part of the tunnel ran beneath the UNRWA compound. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini called for an independent inquiry into the discovery [f01382bf] [082907cc] [3224d6d4].
The Israeli military claims to have discovered a Hamas tunnel under the Gaza City headquarters of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA). UNRWA stated that it had not operated from the base since October 12, five days after Hamas fighters attacked southern Israel, and called for an independent investigation. Hamas has previously denied Israeli claims of digging an extensive network of tunnels under schools and other civilian infrastructure. The army and the Shin Bet security agency said that operations in Gaza City led to the discovery of a tunnel shaft near a school operated by UNRWA. The tunnel, 700 meters long and 18 meters underground, was connected to the agency's headquarters and supplied with electricity from UNRWA's facilities. Documents and weapons found in the UN compound confirmed that the offices had been used by Hamas terrorists. UNRWA staff were forced to leave the compound under Israeli instruction as bombardment intensified. The compound was last inspected in September 2023. UNRWA has called for an independent inquiry into the claims, but due to the active war zone in Gaza, it is currently not possible. [bf8aca1c] [082907cc] [3224d6d4]. Israel's foreign minister called for the head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees to quit after a Hamas tunnel was discovered under its evacuated Gaza City headquarters [daffb7f2].
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) discovered a Hamas complex under a UN aid agency's headquarters in Gaza. The IDF found the entrance to a tunnel near a school run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which was connected to a tunnel underneath the agency's main HQ in Gaza City. The tunnel contained electrical infrastructure and rows of computer servers powered by the UNRWA's building. Journalists from outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, visited the site. The UNRWA called for an independent inquiry into the reports. The agency has faced accusations of staff members being linked to Hamas attacks on Israel. The UNRWA plays a key role in facilitating aid delivery and providing services in Gaza. Israel's attacks on Gaza have caused a humanitarian crisis, with a high population facing food insecurity and displacement. [03241e9d]