Chilling Tunnel Discovery: Israeli Military Finds Evidence of Hostage Deaths

The Israeli military released a video showing the grim contents of an underground tunnel where six hostages were killed by Hamas. The hostages had been held in harsh conditions before being shot dead by militants. Their deaths have provoked widespread grief and calls for more action on hostage release.

The Israeli military has unveiled a haunting video capturing the scene inside a dark, cramped underground tunnel where six hostages were reportedly killed by Hamas. The somber footage, released on Tuesday, shows blood-stained grounds, bullets, and a chess set within the sealed passageway, signifying the hostages' grim reality.

According to military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the video was filmed last Friday as a forensic team examined the disturbing site. The tunnel, located 20 meters below the ground in the Rafah area of southern Gaza, was less than 170 centimeters high and 80 centimeters wide. Hagari detailed that at least two Hamas gunmen executed the hostages, who had been held in this suffocating tunnel for weeks.

The heinous act has sparked outrage and grief in Israel, especially as five of the victims were taken from the Nova dance festival on Oct. 7 last year. Despite mass protests and calls for a ceasefire, efforts to secure a hostage release deal have stalled. The conflict has escalated, leading to significant casualties on both sides.

(With inputs from agencies.)