Investigation Challenges Israel’s Claims of Hamas Tunnel Beneath Al-Shifa Hospital: Eekad’s Findings Call for Further Verification

Police – Accident – Death – Obituary News : Eekad Challenges Israel’s Claims of Hamas Tunnel Under Al-Shifa Hospital

Eekad, the first open-source intelligence platform in the Arab region, has conducted a thorough investigation into Israel’s alleged uncovering of a Hamas tunnel beneath Gaza’s Al-Shifa Hospital. In a recent thread on X, formerly known as Twitter, Eekad released their latest findings, challenging the narrative put forth by Israel and suggesting the need for further investigation and verification of such claims.

Since the start of the deadly war on October 7, Gaza’s hospitals have been among the main targets of the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF). Shockingly, over 13,000 Palestinians, including more than 4,710 children, have lost their lives in this devastating conflict.

On November 16, Israel released footage purporting to show a Hamas tunnel entrance within the Shifa Medical Complex. However, Eekad’s meticulous analysis of the video’s geographical features has led to a different conclusion. They focused on specific structures, including a small white building, a container-like structure on a rooftop, and a building with a circular facade. According to Eekad’s findings, these features indicate that the location in question is outside the hospital’s public buildings, near Ibn Sina Street.

This conclusion directly contradicts Israel’s claims. Eekad stated, “Our findings suggest that the site lies outside the hospital’s public buildings, opposite the building with the circular facade.”

Moreover, Eekad discovered inconsistencies when examining the graphic map released by Israel on October 27, which purported to show Hamas headquarters beneath Al-Shifa Hospital. The location of the alleged tunnel did not align with areas previously identified as alleged Hamas command centers.

Eekad’s investigation also raised questions about the nature of the tunnel itself. Their analysis revealed that the tunnel bears a striking resemblance to electrical or ground communication conduits. They reported, “The tunnel’s unique shape prompted us to delve deeper, revealing it more closely resembles a cable pole or sewage gutter.” Additionally, elements such as electricity wires uncovered by the Israeli army’s bulldozing activities were highlighted.

The size of the tunnel entrance further raised doubts about its practicality for the rapid movement of armed operatives. Eekad mentioned, “The small diameter of the tunnel entrance is impractical for swift entry and exit,” suggesting that it is highly improbable for it to be a military tunnel.

By comparing the footage with images of ground-level electricity channels, Eekad found striking similarities, further undermining the credibility of Israel’s claim. They added, “Comparing the footage with ground-level electricity channel images revealed striking similarities.”

Eekad concluded that the alleged tunnel, located outside the areas previously marked as Hamas command centers by Israel, is more likely related to electricity or ground communications channels rather than being a military tunnel.

It is worth noting that Israel has justified its targeting of hospitals based on allegations of the presence of Hamas tunnels inside these buildings, which were supposedly being used as command centers. However, these allegations have been debunked by numerous investigations, including one conducted by Human Rights Watch.

In response to Israel’s claims about the existence of a Hamas tunnel under Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza, other international and regional organizations have also weighed in. Sanad, Al Jazeera’s investigative unit, conducted their own investigation and disproved the Israeli claims about a Hamas tunnel under the Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Hospital for Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Hospital, commonly known as the Qatari Hospital. Their investigation revealed that what was claimed to be a tunnel hatch was actually an access hatch for a water reservoir used by the hospital.

Hamas political official Ezzat El-Reshiq has also denied the Israeli allegations, stating that they have “no basis in truth.” El-Reshiq warned that these claims were an attempt to justify targeting a hospital that not only treats thousands of wounded individuals but also provides shelter for more than 40,000 displaced people.

The devastating impact of the war on Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure is evident, with at least 26 out of 35 hospitals in the region either damaged or out of service, as reported by Palestine’s news agency, Wafa. Additionally, since the start of the war, the IOF has killed 205 health personnel and 36 civil defense members, further exacerbating the healthcare crisis in the region..