Israel Reports Discovery of Hamas Tunnels Beneath UNRWA Headquarters in Gaza

The Israeli army announced the discovery of Hamas tunnels beneath the main headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in Gaza. This discovery comes as many countries have temporarily suspended their financial aid to UNRWA due to the involvement of several of its members in Hamas's attack on Gaza on October 7. According to the Associated Press, the Israeli army invited journalists to visit the discovered tunnels on Thursday. Israel claims that UNRWA has provided electricity to these Hamas tunnels. UNRWA stated that it was unaware of the existence of these underground facilities, but these findings necessitate an 'independent investigation,' which is currently impossible due to the ongoing war. An Associated Press journalist estimated that the discovered tunnel network beneath UNRWA's main headquarters in Gaza extends at least half a kilometer and has at least 10 entrances. The Associated Press reported that visiting journalists were able to establish eye contact with Israeli soldiers present in the courtyard of the UNRWA headquarters through a hole in the tunnel's ceiling. Israeli soldiers also showed journalists a room filled with computers and wires in the UNRWA building, with the wires connected to another room in these tunnels. The Israeli army also stated that it found rifles, ammunition, grenades, and explosives in UNRWA facilities that were used by Hamas members. Hamas has acknowledged creating hundreds of kilometers of tunnels under Gaza. One of the main objectives of Israel's assault on Gaza is to destroy this tunnel network, which Hamas uses to move its members, weapons, and equipment throughout Gaza. Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas of using civilian infrastructure such as schools, mosques, and UN facilities to attack the country. The Palestinian group Hamas, which is supported by the Islamic Republic of Iran, has also been accused of using Palestinian civilians as 'human shields.' Netanyahu has called for the closure of the 'United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.' A representative of UNRWA stated that 19 donors have suspended their financial aid to this agency. Israel has accused 190 UN employees of being members of Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Reactions to the accusations against UNRWA employees include Japan also suspending its financial aid. Reports detail accusations against UNRWA employees involving the kidnapping of an Israeli woman and the transfer of a soldier's body. Allegations of cooperation between UNRWA and Hamas have led three other European countries to suspend their aid to this agency. The UN Secretary-General stated that the accusations against UNRWA staff must have consequences, but the agency's activities should not be halted.