UNRWA discovers terrorist tunnel under Gaza school - Jerusalem Post Staff

 

by Jerusalem Post Staff

UNRWA explained that a "man-made cavity" was identified underneath the school grounds.

 

A tunnel was discovered under a United Nations school in Gaza, according to a Tuesday announcement from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

UNRWA explained that a "man-made cavity" was identified underneath the school grounds. The area was sectioned off and the tunnel was sealed, the agency said. 

"The Agency protested strongly to the relevant authorities in Gaza to express outrage and condemnation of the presence of such a structure underneath one of its installations," said UNRWA in the Tuesday press release. "The presence of a man-made cavity underneath the grounds of an UNRWA school is a serious violation of the Agency’s neutrality and a breach of international law. Moreover, it exposes children and Agency staff to significant security and safety risks."

Tunnels and weapons continue to be found despite UNRWA objections

Tunnels and underground weapons caches belonging to Gazan terrorist groups have previously been discovered under or in close proximity to UNRWA schools. 

UNRWA school damaged by fighting in Gaza (credit: REUTERS)

In 2017, a tunnel was discovered under The Maghazi Elementary Boys A&B School and the Maghazi Preparatory Boys School, which are located on the same premises. The UNRWA Zaitoun Preparatory Boys’ School “A” and Elementary Boys’ School “A” was damaged during the 2021 Operation Guardians of the Wall after a  “appears to be a cavity and a possible tunnel" was hit by an IDF missile strike near the school. UNRWA said that the tunnel was "approximately 7.5 meters below the surface of the school." 

 In 2014, a stockpile of 20 rockets were found in an UNRWA school that had been closed for the summer. 

Tunnel systems have been built throughout Gaza by the ruling Hamas terrorist organization. The system is used to store and transport munition, serve as bunkers and command and control centers for terrorist officers, and allow safe passage for gunmen who might otherwise be targeted by Israeli air forces during open conflict. 

"The presence of a man-made cavity underneath the grounds of an UNRWA school is a serious violation of the Agency’s neutrality and a breach of international law."

UNRWA

UNRWA has established several schools throughout Gaza and the West Bank, including one girls' school in Beit Anan which recently inaugurated a new community vegetable garden. 

Jerusalem Post Staff

Source: https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/gaza-news/article-723788

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