In a recent development, Al Jazeera's digital investigation agency, Sanad, has discredited the latest assertion made by Israeli authorities regarding the presence of a Hamas tunnel beneath the Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Hospital for Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Hospital, commonly known as the Qatari Hospital. This revelation adds to the ongoing debate surrounding Israel's justification for targeting health facilities in Gaza, which are protected under international law during conflicts.

Israeli authorities have repeatedly alleged the existence of command bunkers and main tunnels running beneath Gaza hospitals, using them as a pretext for attacking these medical facilities. In an attempt to support their claim, Israel's military released a video showcasing a hatch located in the hospital courtyard, adjacent to an exterior wall, which they believe leads to a Hamas tunnel.

However, Sanad's meticulous investigation, which involved analyzing satellite footage, examining archival records of the hospital's construction, and interviewing one of its original engineers, has debunked the Israeli claim. Their findings revealed that the hatch in question is simply an access point to a water reservoir used by the hospital. This reservoir serves various essential functions, such as filling therapeutic pools for amputees, maintaining the hospital grounds, and acting as a backup water source in emergencies.

It is important to note that the Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Hospital is among several healthcare facilities in the besieged Gaza Strip that have suffered damages due to Israel's relentless aerial bombardment. Israel has maintained that hospitals in Gaza, including the largest one, al-Shifa, are being utilized as covers for Hamas tunnels, thereby implicating them in the group's activities. This alleged justification has sparked concerns among experts who argue that such attacks potentially violate international law due to the protected status of civilians and medical establishments.

The disproval of Israel's claim by Sanad reinforces the need for a thorough examination of allegations before launching attacks on vital healthcare infrastructure. As the conflict in Gaza persists, the international community continues to closely monitor the situation and evaluate potential violations of international humanitarian law.