Israel Uncovers Hamas Tunnel Where Hostages, Including Children, Were Held in ‘Inhumane Conditions’

Zachary Rogers

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Israeli Defense Forces claim troops recently discovered a tunnel where hostages of Hamas, including children, were believed to be held “in harsh and inhumane conditions.”

IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said troops discovered the tunnel in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis by means of “precise intelligence,” according to The Times of Israel, and that an entrance to the vast tunnel network was found beneath the home of a Hamas commander.

Israeli troops had to fight and kill Hamas gunmen when they first entered the tunnel, Hagari added. No hostages were found, but troops did discover a part of the tunnel that contained evidence hostages were held there.

IDF shared photos of the makeshift space, which included plastic furniture, oscillating fans, sleeping bags and even a child’s drawings and scribblings that were done in crayon.

IDF shared photos of the makeshift space, which included plastic furniture, oscillating fans, sleeping bags and even a child’s drawings and scribblings that were done in crayon.

“The tunnel was rigged with explosives and blast doors designed to protect the terrorists and prevent the advancement in finding our hostages,” Hagari said in the statement.

“After walking about a kilometer in the tunnel, at a depth of about 20 meters underground, the soldiers found a central chamber where, according to testimonies of hostages who returned from Gaza, we understand that they spent most of their time,” Hagari added.

Further into the tunnel, IDF troops found five narrow holding cells complete with mattresses and toilets. Hagari says that according to testimonies from freed hostages, around 20 hostages were held in that tunnel space at various times.

Further into the tunnel, IDF troops found five narrow holding cells complete with mattresses and toilets.I

Hagari said the hostages were held there “under harsh conditions without daylight, in dense air with little oxygen, and terrible humidity that makes breathing difficult.”

“Some of them were released about 50 days ago, and some are still held in Gaza and may be under even harsher conditions, including very elderly people who need medication and help,” Hagari said. “Hamas committed and continues to commit crimes against humanity, holding innocent people, children, women, men, some sick, very elderly people, in harsh and inhumane conditions.”

It is believed that 132 hostages still remain in Hamas captivity after its Oct. 7 attack on Israel, although how many of them remain alive is uncertain.

Hagari said that the crayon drawings were made by 5-year-old Emilia Aloni, who was freed back in November.

IDF shared photos of the makeshift space, which included plastic furniture, oscillating fans, sleeping bags, and even a child’s drawings and scribblings that were done in crayon.