IDF soldiers find stash of weapons hidden beneath child's bed

The Israel Defense Forces on Thursday said soldiers operating in Gaza City found a stash of weapons under children's beds in a building linked to a senior Hamas operative.

Israel's 401st Brigade also found long-range rockets, launch shafts and four tunnel shafts "of significant depth" in the Jabalia area of Gaza, the IDF said. 

"These tunnel shafts used by the Hamas terrorist organization, which are connected to the electrical network, converged at a central tunnel shaft located in a building connected to a senior Hamas operative," the military said.

"Additionally, a large number of weapons were found in numerous bedrooms and under children's beds in a building linked to another senior Hamas operative. Operational plans and numerous weapons were discovered as well. All materials were transferred to the Document and Technical Collection Unit of the Intelligence Directorate for further examination and distribution to combat forces." 

A military spokesman called it a "successful day" for Israeli troops. 

"This is a successful day for the 401st Brigade," said commanding officer Colonel Binyamin Aharon. "We found long-range rockets, launch shafts, and four operational Hamas tunnel shafts. We reached the 'heart' of the Hamas infrastructure and found the operational home of a senior terrorist, which included weapons and ammunition, all hidden under his children's beds and in closets. We operated to expose the area used to launch rockets into the depths of Israel for years."