ALBAWABA - The Israeli military has presented a new account of the deaths of six captives, who were found in a tunnel in Rafah, southern Gaza, earlier this month. The Israeli army claims the captives were killed by two Hamas gunmen, and authorities are conducting DNA tests to confirm whether two militants, who were later killed by Israeli forces, were responsible.
Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari stated that conditions in the tunnel were extremely harsh, suggesting that other captives could be facing similar circumstances. Hagari emphasized that the army continues its operations in Gaza's tunnels and is reviewing lessons learned from the incident.
The army also shared images of the tunnel, where the bodies of the six captives were found, and is currently analyzing evidence collected at the scene.
Israeli media outlets published the findings of an internal military investigation into the deaths. According to the report, the captives had been held in a small, cramped tunnel without ventilation or basic sanitation facilities. The tunnel, approximately 120 meters long, was sealed on one end by an explosion-resistant door and closed off on the other.
Military forces reportedly broke through the door of the tunnel, discovering tools left behind by the captors. The investigation suggests that the captives were held for two to three weeks before being killed.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that the discovery of the Hamas tunnel in Rafah validates the military’s ongoing campaign in Gaza, which has been active for nearly a year. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir urged a halt to humanitarian aid to Gaza and called for increased military action against Hamas.
Hamas has placed the responsibility for the captives' deaths on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, blaming his government for the tragic outcome.
