Out of the total eight former Indian Navy officers imprisoned in Qatar, seven have returned to India, said MEA in its statement. Arrangements are being made to bring the last released veteran home…reports Asian Lite News
India on Monday has welcomed the decision of the Qatar court to release the eight former Indian Army personnel, who were previously sentenced to death, said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement.
The Qatar court on Monday released all eight former Indian Navy personnel in its custody, out of which seven have returned to India, said a statement by the MEA.
The MEA said in a statement, “The Government of India welcomes the release of eight Indian nationals working for the Dahra Global company who were detained in Qatar. Seven out of the eight of them have returned to India. We appreciate the decision by the Amir of the State of Qatar to enable the release and home-coming of these nationals.”
Earlier, the capital punishment for the jailed Indian Navy veterans was commuted to an extended prison term after diplomatic talks between Qatar and India.
Out of the total eight former Indian Navy officers imprisoned in Qatar, seven have returned to India, said MEA in its statement. Arrangements are being made to bring the last released veteran home.
The eight Indian nationals, formerly Indian Navy personnel, were imprisoned in Qatar in October 2022 after being accused of allegedly spying on a submarine programme. The Indian nationals were deemed guilty of espionage by the Qatari court, and were sentenced to death on charges not yet made public.
The MEA expressed that the ruling of the court was “deeply shocking”, and said that they would explore all legal options to get the charges against the former Indian Navy personnel dropped.
The Dahra Global case saw a major development last year when the court in Qatar commuted the death sentence of the Indian nationals after intervention by the Indian government. The sentence was reduced to jail terms.
The centre was inaugurated on 08 February 2024 by Patrick Poinsot, First counsellor at the French embassy in Qatar….reports Asian Lite News
VFS Global is providing closer access to France visa services for residents of Qatar with its newly established France Visa Application Centre in Doha.
The centre was inaugurated on 08 February 2024 by Patrick Poinsot, First counsellor at the French embassy in Qatar.
France visa applicants can now visit this centre located in Level 2, Al Nuaimi Building, Oqba Ibn Nafie Street, Airport Road, Doha, Qatar, to submit their applications for short and long stay visas. Prior appointments are mandatory and can be booked on www.vfsglobal.com.
Mr. Patrick Poinsot, First counselor at the French embassy in Qatar said, “We care about the quality of the welcome of our Qatari friends and residents of Qatar who want to go to France. We are very pleased to see that, each year, more and more people are travelling to France, especially for touristic reasons and, with our new partner VFS Global, we will endeavor to process their visa applications in the best possible and efficient way”
Mr. Atul Marwah, Chief Operating Officer – Middle East & Egypt, VFS Global said, “We are excited to embark on this new journey with the Embassy of France in Qatar. VFS Global has a long-standing association with France, making people’s cross border mobility simple and convenient through visa services in 29 countries across the globe since 2004. The addition of Doha to this expansive network is indeed a proud feather in our cap. We look forward to welcoming travellers from Qatar at our new centre.”
More comfort for visa applicants
Focused on providing exceptional customer service, ensuring convenient and seamless experiences, the premises feature a spacious waiting area, state-of-the-art biometric facilities, and a dedicated space to promote France as a destination, providing applicants with key information ahead of their travels.
Travellers visiting this centre can also choose from a range of our optional services, such as courier return service to receive processed passports at home, and form filling assistance from trained professionals, among others.
Those looking for a more personalised service can also opt for the Premium Lounge to receive end-to-end assistance throughout the process in a plush ambience.
The summit, held under the theme of “Shaping Future Governments,” will also host more than 25 government and state heads….reports Asian Lite News
Türkiye, India and Qatar have been declared the guests of honor at the 2024 World Governments Summit set to take place in Dubai from February 12-14.
The summit, held under the theme of “Shaping Future Governments,” will also host more than 25 government and state heads.
The high-level delegations of the three guest countries will be headed by the President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.
The guest countries will showcase their successful government experiences and best developmental practices during the summit, which will bring together thought leaders, experts, and representatives of over 85 international and regional organisations with 120 governmental delegations, and 4,000 attendees.
Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of WGS Organisation, said that hosting Türkiye, India, and Qatar as this year’s guests of honor reflects their deep-rooted ties and strategic partnership with the UAE.
He added that the participation of 25 state heads reaffirms the summit’s pivotal role as a platform for international cooperation and experience exchange to accelerate the progress of societies, and as an annual forum for world leaders and government officials.
Al Gergawi noted that welcoming the three countries as guests of honor comes as part of the summit’s mission, as an influential platform, to showcase the developmental experiences of different governments and promote best practices for a better future for humanity.
Key experiences
Selecting Türkiye, India, and Qatar as this year’s guests of honor also comes within efforts to strengthen partnerships with countries leading successful experiences in strategic sectors that serve societies.
The esteemed participation cements the summit’s position as the largest global gathering to present the best practices and share experiences, and as the first forum of its kind to bring together governments with international organizations and private sector leaders dedicated to shaping the future.
Solid ties
The participation of the guests of honor reflects a solid commitment to deepening relations and boosting cooperation with aims to achieve global prosperity and progress, as well as create urgent and innovative solutions for pressing global issues.
This year’s WGS focuses on six themes and hosts 15 global forums that will explore future strategies and major transformations in key sectors across 110 interactive dialogues.
Over 200 prominent speakers, including presidents, ministers, and visionaries, will share their insights alongside 23 ministerial meetings and executive sessions welcoming over 300 ministers.
Qatar Prime Minister has stressed the “severe consequences” of discontinuing funding to the UNRWA…reports Asian Lite News
Qatar’s Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani has said that there would be “disastrous repercussions” in the stability of the region if funding for United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is halted.
The Qatar Prime Minister was speaking to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York, according to Hebrew media reports.
Media reports stated that the Qatar Prime Minister has stressed the “severe consequences” of discontinuing funding to the UNRWA and emphasized that halting financial support to the agency could lead to “disastrous repercussions”.
He also showcased its pivotal role in ensuring regional stability and providing humanitarian relief.
The discussion, as per reports, brought to the forefront the critical situation in the Middle East, particularly in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
The Qatar Prime Minister highlighted the “indispensable” contribution of UNRWA in supporting millions of Palestinian refugees across Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.
He further indicated that the stability of the region and the welfare of millions of people rely on the continuity of the agency’s operations.
Qatar said it’s engaged in “serious discussions” with Israel and Hamas and is receiving “constant replies” from both sides….reports Asian Lite News
Qatar, the chief negotiator in the Israel-Hamas war, has said it is getting replies from both Israel and the Hamas as it engages in serious discussions with them to find a new solution to end the war that includes a two-state formula.
The war has so far killed over 20,000 Palestinians and 2,000 Israeli soldiers in a span of over 100 days.
Qatar said it’s engaged in “serious discussions” with Israel and Hamas and is receiving “constant replies” from both sides. But statements made by Israeli officials “lead to a harder mediation process”, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Majed Al-Ansari, said in a news conference on Tuesday.
“Obviously, when one side says they don’t accept the two state-solution and that they won’t stop this war eventually… it leads to a harder mediation process,” Al-Ansari pointed out.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected global calls, including from the US, for Palestinian sovereignty following talks with US President Joe Biden about Gaza’s future, suggesting Israel’s security needs would be incompatible with Palestinian statehood.
Communication breakdown and the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza has impacted the talks from yielding results, media reports said.
But mediation is in full swing with Qatar exchanging ideas between both sides, Al-Ansari said.
“Our negotiators are working around the clock to exchange these ideas, a lot of these media reports are either missing elements or completely false,” he said in response to news reports that Israel offered a two-month ceasefire to Hamas as part of a prospective hostage deal.
Meanwhile, the situation around the Khan Younis hospitals is deteriorating amid intense shelling, the United Nations said.
The UN says that the situation at hospitals in the Khan Younis area of southern Gaza has deteriorated as Israeli military operations in the area have expanded, CNN reported from Gaza.
“Reportedly, Israeli forces struck the vicinity of Al-Amal hospital and the ambulance headquarters, as intense fighting continued in the area, including dozens of casualties,” the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Tuesday, adding that it estimated that “13,000 displaced people who have taken shelter in Al Amal Hospital and the PRCS [Palestinian Red Crescent Society] headquarters were unable to leave”.
OCHA cited humanitarian partners as saying that people in the vicinity and in the Al Kheir area east of Al Mawasi had lost access to the health facility, reports said.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that it had surrounded Khan Younis and instructed civilians to leave several districts and move towards the coast, which it described was “safer”.
Roads leading to Al-Amal hospital were closed due to ongoing shooting by IDF in Khan Younis, the PRCS said on Tuesday. Separately, the UN relief agency in Gaza said that one of its shelters in the Khan Younis area had been hit.
At least six displaced people were killed and many more injured during intense fighting around the shelter. Terrified staff, patients and displaced people are now trapped inside the few remaining hospitals in Khan Younis as heavy fighting continues,” the agency’s director, Phillipe Lazzarini, said on X.
Meanwhile, the UK and the US are set to announce new sanctions on Houthis after more strikes in Yemen.
The two countries will announce the new sanctions on Houthis “in the coming days”, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Tuesday.
“We’re going to use the most effective means at our disposal to cut off the Houthis’ financial resources, where they are used to fund these attacks [on commercial ships in the Red Sea],” Sunak told the House of Commons.
“We are working closely with the United States on this and plan to announce new sanctions measures in the coming days,” he said.
The news comes atop another US and UK airstrike on Houthi targets in Yemen, which Sunak said were “limited to carefully selected targets, with maximum caretaking to protect civilian lives”.
He also stressed that the strikes were “fully in line with international law, in self-defence, and in response to a persistent threat”.
Sunak said the sanctions are part of a wider UK response to the Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The UK will continue to deliver humanitarian aid to Yemen and help negotiate peace in the country, Sunak said on Tuesday.
“We’re going to use the most effective means at our disposal to cut off the Houthis’ financial resources, where they are used to fund these attacks [on commercial ships in the Red Sea],” Sunak told the House of Commons.
The MEA’s legal team possesses the confidential court order detailing the commutation of the death sentences to imprisonment terms, a move revealed in a press release following the court of appeal’s judgement on December 28…reports Asian Lite News
A week after a Qatar court commuted the death sentences of eight Indian ex-Navy personnel, the External Affairs ministry said that a 60-day window has opened to appeal the case in the highest court in Qatar.
During a press briefing, the MEA spoksesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the legal team of the MEA has the court order, which is a confidential document.
The newly appointed spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Jaiswal, emphasised the temporal significance of this period, stating, “As far as the issue is concerned, there is a time of 60 days when this issue can be appealed in the Court of Cassation, which is the highest court in Qatar.”
The MEA’s legal team possesses the confidential court order detailing the commutation of the death sentences to imprisonment terms, a move revealed in a press release following the court of appeal’s judgement on December 28.
“We issued a press release in which we informed you that the death sentence, which was originally a death penalty, has been changed to imprisonment sentences. Now our legal team has that court order, and I can confirm that all of them have received sentences of different durations, and the death penalty has been abolished,” Jaiswal said.
Eight Indian nationals, former naval personnel, were arrested in Qatar in October 2022 on charges related to alleged spying on a submarine programme. While the detailed judgement from the Court of Appeal is awaited, the MEA has assured that they are closely coordinating with the legal team and the families of the individuals involved.
“Our legal team is working on this issue, and we are also working with the family and the legal team on this issue. Talking, connected, and looking forward to seeing what happens,” Jaiswal remarked, underscoring the collaborative effort to navigate the complexities of the case.
The MEA had previously issued a release expressing awareness of the verdict and a commitment to provide consular and legal assistance. The ambassador and officials were present during the Court of Appeal proceedings, standing in solidarity with the families. (ANI)
Eight Indian nationals, former naval personnel, were arrested in Qatar in October 2022 on charges related to alleged spying on a submarine programme…reports Asian Lite News
A week after a Qatar court commuted the death sentences of eight Indian ex-Navy personnel, the External Affairs ministry said that a 60-day window has opened to appeal the case in the highest court in Qatar.
During a press briefing, the MEA spoksesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the legal team of the MEA has the court order, which is a confidential document.
The newly appointed spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Jaiswal, emphasised the temporal significance of this period, stating, “As far as the issue is concerned, there is a time of 60 days when this issue can be appealed in the Court of Cassation, which is the highest court in Qatar.”
The MEA’s legal team possesses the confidential court order detailing the commutation of the death sentences to imprisonment terms, a move revealed in a press release following the court of appeal’s judgement on December 28.
“We issued a press release in which we informed you that the death sentence, which was originally a death penalty, has been changed to imprisonment sentences. Now our legal team has that court order, and I can confirm that all of them have received sentences of different durations, and the death penalty has been abolished,” Jaiswal said.
Eight Indian nationals, former naval personnel, were arrested in Qatar in October 2022 on charges related to alleged spying on a submarine programme. While the detailed judgement from the Court of Appeal is awaited, the MEA has assured that they are closely coordinating with the legal team and the families of the individuals involved.
“Our legal team is working on this issue, and we are also working with the family and the legal team on this issue. Talking, connected, and looking forward to seeing what happens,” Jaiswal remarked, underscoring the collaborative effort to navigate the complexities of the case.
The MEA had previously issued a release expressing awareness of the verdict and a commitment to provide consular and legal assistance. The ambassador and officials were present during the Court of Appeal proceedings, standing in solidarity with the families. (ANI)
Unveiling the Wonders Beyond Doha Beyond Doha lie hidden treasures of Qatar that make for some invigorating day trips…reports Asian Lite News
Families will delight in exploring the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic & Sports Museum, an interactive haven celebrating Qatar’s sporting legacy with engaging exhibits and activities suitable for all ages including some amazing VR experiences that test your speed, strength, and agility…reports Asian Lite NewsxxxNestled along the glittering shores of the Arabian Gulf, Qatar is a mesmerising blend of tradition and modernity. Its capital city Doha is a testament to the nation’s rich heritage and dynamic present. This gem of the Middle East beckons travellers with its plethora of offerings, making it an ideal destination for families seeking an unforgettable getaway.
Open Display of Art, History, Culture and more
Doha’s allure lies in its cultural offerings, and a tapestry woven with historical landmarks, awe-inspiring architecture from ultramodern skyscrapers to traditional Islamic structures, and a global culinary scene. Travellers can dive into the city’s past by exploring its myriad of museums that unveil Qatar’s evolution from its nomadic roots to its current modern incarnation. Like the National Museum of Qatar designed by the renowned architect Jean Nouvel, narrates Qatar’s history through immersive exhibits and stunning displays while the Museum of Islamic Art stands as an architectural masterpiece that houses a collection spanning 1,400 years of Islamic art along with MIA Park with temporary installations. The eco-futuristic Msheireb district is a must-visit for travellers wanting to understand the different phases of the country’s history that have been meticulously showcased in restored Qatari houses.
Family-Friendly Wonders for all
Families will delight in exploring the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic & Sports Museum, an interactive haven celebrating Qatar’s sporting legacy with engaging exhibits and activities suitable for all ages including some amazing VR experiences that test your speed, strength, and agility. Katara, bordered by a vast beach on one side and the twin Katara Hills on the other, emerges as Doha’s hub for art, culture, and cuisine. The amalgamation of these elements creates a mesmerizing panorama that is both captivating and awe-inspiring. One can spend a day with the family exploring gems like the Katara mosque, the amphitheatre, the ultra-luxe high street and more in the Katara Cultural Village area.
Adventures Galore
A trip to Khor Al Adaid, or the Inland Sea, is an adrenaline-packed escapade with desert safaris, heart-pounding dune bashing, and other thrilling activities such as sandboarding, camel rides, quadbike and ATV excursions. For a kid-friendly adventure, there are experiences like discovering giant whale sharks, falcon flying sessions, farm visits, and more. Along the coast, water sports like jet skiing, kiteboarding and parasailing provide an exhilarating experience for water lovers.
Unveiling the Wonders Beyond Doha Beyond Doha lie hidden treasures of Qatar that make for some invigorating day trips. Accessible by a short ferry ride, the Banana Island resort is a luxurious retreat that offers a spectrum of family-friendly activities, including water sports, a private beach, and a fantastic pool complex. Nature enthusiasts will find solace in the serene Purple Island, which boasts of mangrove forests perfect for kayaking, birdwatching, and peaceful picnics amidst natural beauty. Al Zubarah Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a carefully preserved fort that offers a glimpse into Qatar’s history through its ancient ruins, giving visitors a tangible connection to the past. Accommodation for everyone In Qatar, an array of accommodation options caters to diverse budgets, ranging from lavish five-star retreats such as The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Raffles and Hilton Salwa to more budget-friendly accommodations. This variety ensures that every visitor, regardless of their spending limit, enjoys comfort, convenience, and the quintessential essence of Arabian hospitality.
Embark on a Culinary Odyssey
Qatar’s culinary scene tantalises taste buds with a myriad of flavours in traditional delicacies like Machboos (a delectable rice and meat dish) and Harees (a hearty wheat-based porridge) or Chapati and Karak, all available at the vibrant Souq Waqif. This bustling marketplace not only offers a taste of authentic Qatari cuisine but also serves as a hub for cultural experiences. Moreover, the city boasts an impressive array of restaurants catering to diverse palates, inviting culinary exploration and gastronomic delight. From renowned establishments like Argan, serving Moroccan delights, to Parisa, offering sumptuous Iranian cuisine, to Morimoto for Japanese, Jamavar for Indian and La Mar, known for its exquisite Peruvian dishes, visitors can embark on a global culinary journey without leaving Qatar’s dynamic dining landscape. In conclusion, Qatar, with its kaleidoscope of culture, diverse activities, culinary treasures, and varied accommodations, promises an enriching journey for families seeking an immersive holiday. Embark on your voyage and relish every moment in this captivating land!
The eight Indian nationals have been imprisoned in Qatar since October 2022 and were accused of allegedly spying on a submarine programme…reports Asian Lite News
The Qatari Court on Thursday commuted the death penalty sentence of eight ex-Indian naval officers it had arrested last year in the Dahra Global case, Ministry of External Affairs said in a press statement. The sentence has now been reduced to jail terms.
Describing the judgement, Ministry of External Affairs said, “We have noted the verdict today of the Court of Appeal of Qatar in the Dahra Global case, in which the sentences have been reduced.”
The MEA also said that the detailed judgement in the case is awaited and are in close touch with the legal team in Qatar.
MEA added, “The detailed judgement is awaited. We are in close touch with the legal team as well as the family members to decide on the next steps. Our Ambassador to Qatar and other officials were present in the Court of Appeal today, along with the family members. We have stood by them since the beginning of the matter and we will continue to extend all consular and legal assistance. We will also continue to take up the matter with the Qatari authorities.”
The eight Indian nationals have been imprisoned in Qatar since October 2022 and were accused of allegedly spying on a submarine programme. The retired naval personnel were sentenced to death by a Qatar court on charges that have not yet been made public officially.
Earlier this month, MEA informed that two hearings have taken place in the case.
“There have been two hearings. We filed an appeal, with the families, and the detainees had a final appeal. Two hearings have since been held. One was on November 30th and the other was on November 23rd. I think the next hearing is coming up soon,” Bagchi said.
Moreover, the Court of First Instance of Qatar passed the judgement against them, according to a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs.
The MEA spokesperson also highlighted the recent meeting that took place between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad and said that they have had a good conversation on the overall bilateral relationship.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani on the sidelines of the COP28 summit in Dubai and discussed bilateral partnership and the “well-being of the Indian community” living in Qatar.
Foreign affairs experts hail India’s diplomacy
After a Qatar court commuted the death sentence of eight Indian ex-Navy personnel, foreign affairs expert Robinder Sachdev hailed India’s diplomacy and said that the new verdict by the Qatari court is a big relief for the arrested personnel and their families.
“No doubt, you see diplomacy has also worked. It shows Prime Minister Modi met the mayor of Qatar on the sidelines of the CoP28 which was being held in Dubai recently. So this would have been certainly brought up by the PM with the mayor of Qatar,” he said.
He added, “The judgment by the Qatari court is indeed a huge, huge relief for the families in India. At the same time, there is still some distance ahead because what has happened, is whether the court has commuted or instead of the death sentence has handed some other judgment, which we do at least. As of now, the question will be what is the judgment that the court has now announced?.”
He said further, “Yes, we understand that the death sentence is no longer in the picture, which is a huge relief. But what else is, because the point is that if the court has kind of judged this as a different category of an episode, then is it a five-year sentence, a ten-year sentence, a 20-year sentence? How long would that sentence be? That is one. But the hope we have is that whatever the sentence in the coming days and months, that sentence could perhaps also be reduced so that we have these sailors back home as soon as possible.”
Additionally, Former diplomat Suresh K Goel also appreciated the Indian government’s efforts which resulted in commuting the sentence of Indian naval officers and hoped that if government could ensure their transfer to India in the coming days.
He stated, “After the efforts by the govt, their death sentence has been commuted, hope that in the coming days, with more efforts the sentence reduces further or if they can be transferred to India so that they can serve their rest of the sentence here…efforts will continue.”
Moreover, Former Diplomat, Ashok Sajjanhar said that the commuted sentence is a “welcome development” and added that this is not the end but a need to ensure that all officers would be brought back home safely.
He noted, ” It is a very welcome development, the whole country was really on an edge…the govt and all those who were involved with it were working very hard to ensure that this sentence is not carried out. This is the first positive development…but of course, this is not the end…we need to ensure that all these officers are brought back home safely with full dignity and all the charges against them are removed.” (ANI)
Qatar is seeking to release three senior Israeli officers in exchange for the release of several Palestinian prisoners who are serving life imprisonment in Israeli prisons…reports Asian Lite News
Qatar has presented new proposals to resume the hostage deal between Israel and the Hamas to facilitate a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip amid the raging war, a Palestinian source said.
A high-level Qatari delegation has been discussing the proposals with Israeli officials in unannounced meetings held in Norway since December 16, the source told Xinhua news agency on Sunday, noting that the talks were “exploratory”.
“In coordination with Egypt, Qatar is seeking to revive the swap deal between Israel and Hamas in a bid to reach new understandings for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza,” the source said.
The discussions have touched on releasing the remaining Israeli hostages taken by Hamas in exchange for several days of humanitarian truce in Gaza as well as the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israel, the source added.
Qatar is seeking to release three senior Israeli officers in exchange for the release of several Palestinian prisoners who are serving life imprisonment in Israeli prisons, according to the source.
The new Qatari diplomatic efforts came after three Israeli soldiers, who were captured by Hamas, were accidently killed by the Israeli army in Gaza.
The unprecedented incident sparked controversy among the Israelis and led to the intensification of pressure on the Israeli government to release the remaining 129 hostages.
Meanwhile, Hamas, the de facto ruler of the war-torn enclave, declined to involve in any new negotiations with Israel unless the latter ends its offensive on Gaza.
In a statement sent to Xinhua, the militant group said that “we informed our position to all mediators that we will not open our minds to any proposals unless the Israeli aggression stopped in Gaza”.
Qatar and Egypt had previously mediated a seven-day humanitarian truce late last month as Hamas released about 86 Israeli hostages and 24 foreign hostages from Gaza.
This latest development comes as Israel has stepped up bombardments on the Gaza Strip.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson unit reportedthat heavy fighting took place across Gaza, with Israeli forces striking more than 200 locations on December 16.
Israeli forces raided a building near a UN Relief Works Agency school, claiming to have found machines for the production of rocket parts, and three tunnel shafts nearby.
The IDF said it has uncovered the largest underground Hamas tunnel system in Gaza so far.
The system splits into branches of tunnels, spans over more than 4 km and reaches 400 metres from the Erez crossing, a passageway between Gaza and Israel.
Since the war erupted on October 7, at 18,787 people have died in the Gaza Strip, about 70 per cent of those killed are said to be women and children.
Israel has reported more than 1,200 fatalities, including foreign nationals
