IDF reveals Hamas tunnel used to hide 'high-ranking' members, hostages
Israel Defense Forces uncover elaborate tunnel in Hamas stronghold of Khan Younis. (Credit: IDF via APTN)
Israel’s military has released video and images of a tunnel in a Hamas stronghold that it says was used to hide "high-ranking members" of the terrorist group and hostages.
The emergence of the labyrinth under Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected Hamas' latest offer for a full release of hostages in exchange for a 135-day cease-fire, a complete Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza and the release of Palestinian prisoners.
"During searches in the tunnel, several rooms were discovered, including a barred cell where hostages were held, a bathroom, and a rest area used by terrorists holding the hostages," the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement.
One image released by the IDF appears to show a room containing a sink in between cookware and plates used to prepare and serve food.
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One of the rooms the IDF says was inside the Hamas tunnel in Khan Younis. (IDF)
The tunnel, which the IDF says was "used to hide high-ranking members of the Hamas terrorist organization and to hold hostages," was "built under the heart of a civilian area of Khan Younis and intelligence estimates suggest millions of shekels were invested in its construction."
The IDF added that it "held approximately 12 hostages at different times" and that "three of them have been returned to Israel, and the rest are still being held in Gaza."
Israeli military forces reportedly battled Hamas inside the tunnel, beaching doors and finding explosives.
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The IDF says "intelligence materials and weapons belonging to the Hamas terrorist organization were found in the tunnel." (IDF)
The three-phase plan rejected by Netanyahu would have seen Israeli hostages released in stages -- women and children first -- in exchange for the Palestinian prisoners being held in Israel, including 500 Hamas would choose from a list of those serving life sentences.
Male hostages over the age of 19 would have been released after the first 45-day phase is complete and Israeli forces would have to fully withdraw from Gaza at the same time.
"Surrendering to Hamas’ delusional demands that we heard now not only won’t lead to freeing the captives, it will just invite another massacre," Netanyahu said Wednesday.
A gate is seen in the tunnel underneath the Hamas stronghold of Khan Younis in the Gaza Strip. (IDF)
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"We will continue until the end," he added. "There is no other solution besides complete victory."
Fox News’ Timothy H.J. Nerozzi contributed to this report.
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