Hamas: Israel seeking to legitimize its crimes by claiming tunnels exist under Gazan houses

Hamas has warned that Israel is trying to “legitimize” its crimes by spreading rumours about the existence of tunnels under Palestinian home in Gaza strip.

Through its spokesperson Hazem Qassem, Hamas responded to allegations made by the Israel occupation forces’ southern commander, that there are tunnels under two of Gazan houses and north of the strip.

In a statement released on Monday, Qassem asserted that such allegations represent a futile Israeli strategy that aims to undermine the morale of Palestinians.

He said out that “rumors about underground tunnels are an attempt to legitimize crimes that might be committed by the occupation forces against civilians in Gaza”.

Read: Israel uses ‘tunnel’ claim as an excuse to attack Hamas and UNRWA

Qassem called on mass media to not engage with “rumours” peddled by Israel.

Last Thursday, Israeli military radio claimed that the army and the Shin Bet secret service are continuing their efforts in order to uncover Hamas’ military tunnels and that there were two tunnels under two houses: in the village of Beit Lahia in Northern Gaza and in Mukhayyam Al-Shati west of Gaza, accusing Hamas of “exploiting civilians’ spaces in its military efforts”.