JERUSALEM, Nov 13 – Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari revealed on Monday the discovery of weapons stored by Hamas in the basement of a children’s hospital in Gaza. The Israeli troops also found evidence suggesting that hostages had been held at the hospital.

Hagari stated that the command center in the basement of Rantissi Hospital contained a cache of weapons, including grenades, suicide vests, and other explosives. He also mentioned signs indicating that Hamas may have held hostages at the hospital, which is currently under investigation.

The military spokesperson shared footage of living quarters and a tunnel shaft, allegedly used by Hamas for conducting operations against Israelis from the hospital. Troops also discovered a motorcycle with gunshot marks that appeared to have been used to transport hostages to Gaza following an attack on Oct. 7.

In response to the discovery, Israel launched a bombardment of the Gaza Strip and subsequently initiated a ground operation. The ongoing conflict has resulted in thousands of casualties, drawing accusations from Israel of Hamas using hospitals and civilian infrastructure to conceal weapons and command centers.

The United Nations has called for an end to attacks on healthcare in Gaza, as Israel continues to allow the evacuation of patients and civilians. The latest developments have raised concerns about the use of children’s hospitals and civilians as shields in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

In Gaza, Hamas and hospital authorities have denied allegations of utilizing health facilities in such a manner, and there has been no immediate comment from Hamas on the Israeli military’s statements. The situation continues to unfold as international organizations monitor the escalating tensions in the region.

According to Palestinian health officials, the conflict has led to more than 11,000 casualties in Gaza. The discovery of weapons and signs of potential hostage activity at the children’s hospital has deepened concerns about the impact of the conflict on the civilian population in Gaza.