The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) announced on Sunday that its troops had dismantled a 1.2-kilometre-long “underground terrorist route” in northern Gaza. According to a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the operation also uncovered a nearby weapons storage facility containing approximately 20 explosive devices, an anti-tank guided missile, and other armaments.
During the operation, Israeli Air Force (IAF) aircraft reportedly targeted and killed “several terrorists” identified as attempting to plant an explosive device near IDF troops.
The IDF shared a video of the operation and stated: “IDF troops identified and dismantled a 1.2 kilometre-long underground terrorist route in northern Gaza… In swift and precise coordination, an IAF aircraft strike eliminated several terrorists.”
Meanwhile, earlier the same day, missiles struck Gaza’s al-Ahli Hospital, causing major damage to the emergency unit and rendering the facility—the last functioning hospital in northern Gaza—non-operational, according to Al Jazeera. Health officials were forced to evacuate patients, including those in critical condition, following a warning reportedly issued by the Israeli military.
The Palestinian Civil Defence said the strike came “minutes after” the evacuation warning and led to the destruction of the hospital’s surgery building and its oxygen station for intensive care units.
Gaza’s Government Media Office condemned the attack, calling it a “heinous and filthy crime,” and accused Israel of systematically targeting Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure. According to the office, 34 hospitals have been destroyed since the escalation began.
The IDF claimed al-Ahli Hospital was being used by Hamas as a command and control centre to plan attacks on Israeli forces and civilians.
A December 2024 report by the UN Human Rights Office documented at least 136 Israeli attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza between October 2023 and June 2024, resulting in significant casualties and damage to essential medical infrastructure.