GAZA STRIP: Rafah Tunnels

The tunnels previously built to smuggle weapons in from Egypt, now number in the hundreds after the Israeli government enforced a blockade in 2007 after Hamas took control of The Gaza Strip.

Hundreds of tunnels thrive on the Rafah/Egypt border, operating non-stop as Palestinians smuggle food, fuel, livestock, motorcycles, medicine in addition to weapons.

The Israeli airforce has been unsuccessful in halting the smuggling, in spite of repeated bombings and the...
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The tunnels previously built to smuggle weapons in from Egypt, now number in the hundreds after the Israeli government enforced a blockade in 2007 after Hamas took control of The Gaza Strip.

Hundreds of tunnels thrive on the Rafah/Egypt border, operating non-stop as Palestinians smuggle food, fuel, livestock, motorcycles, medicine in addition to weapons.

The Israeli airforce has been unsuccessful in halting the smuggling, in spite of repeated bombings and the recent Operation Cast Lead. Dozens of tunnels were disabled by the strikes, but hundreds remain in operation and workers have toiled for months to repair those destroyed.

Corruption amongst the Egyptian authorities allows tunnel to operate unimpeded, as workers receive advanced warnings of pending bombings by Egyptian security who are notified of pending attacks by Israel.

Tunnel workers are paid approximately USD 20-40 per day for a 14 hour day, while HAMAS charges USD 2500 for the permit to build a tunnel and takes 50% of all sales made. A completed tunnel costs between USD 70,000 and 90,000.
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