JERUSALEM, Nov 13 (Reuters) - The Israeli military has revealed video and photographic evidence showcasing alleged weapons storage by Hamas militants within the basement of Rantissi Hospital, a renowned children's hospital in Gaza. Israeli Military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari shared the findings during a televised briefing earlier today.

According to Hagari, the troops discovered a Hamas command center housing an extensive arsenal of weapons, including grenades, suicide vests, and various explosives. The military has also expressed suspicion that hostages were held within the hospital's premises, revealing ongoing investigations supported by credible intelligence.

In the footage presented during the briefing, rudimentary living quarters, including a small kitchen, were observed. Additionally, a nearby tunnel shaft leading to the residence of a high-ranking Hamas naval commander was identified as part of the network controlled by the militant group.

Hagari claimed that "Hamas took all this area under its control and conducted its war against Israelis from this hospital," emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

Israeli forces also discovered a motorcycle with gunshot marks, indicating its potential involvement in transporting hostages to Gaza following the Oct. 7 surprise attack led by Hamas gunmen. Israeli authorities report that the attack resulted in the death of approximately 1,200 individuals and the capture of around 240 hostages.

Israel promptly retaliated by launching an intense bombardment of the Gaza Strip, followed by a ground operation that saw their troops penetrate deep into the enclave. Palestinian health officials estimate that over 11,000 people have been killed in Gaza as a result of the conflict.

On Monday, Israeli tanks positioned themselves outside the gates of Al Shifa, the main hospital in Gaza, as hundreds of patients awaited evacuation.

Throughout the ongoing invasion, Israel has accused Hamas of exploiting hospitals and other civilian infrastructures, thereby using them as cover for their command centers and weapon storage areas. Furthermore, Israel alleges that Hamas has shamelessly used civilians and hospital patients as human shields during the conflict.

In response to these allegations, Hamas and Gaza's hospital authorities have vehemently denied any misuse of healthcare facilities in such a manner. At the time of reporting, there has been no immediate comment from Hamas regarding the most recent Israeli claims.

The United Nations has joined in calling for an end to the attacks on healthcare facilities within Gaza. Israel claims that it is facilitating the evacuation of patients and civilians caught in the crossfire.