GAZA STRIP: Rafah Tunnels

RAFAH, GAZA STRIP - JUNE 10: Palestinian smuggling tunnels are seen lining the Gaza/Egypt border on Wednesday June 10, 2009, in Rafah, Gaza Strip. The tunnels previously built to smuggle weapons in from Egypt, now number in the hundreds after the Israeli government enforced a blockade on Gaza in 2007. Hundreds of tunnels line the Rafah/Egypt border operating non-stop as Palestinians smuggle food, fuel, livestock, motorcycles, medicine in addition to weapons. The Israeli airforce has been...
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RAFAH, GAZA STRIP - JUNE 10: Palestinian smuggling tunnels are seen lining the Gaza/Egypt border on Wednesday June 10, 2009, in Rafah, Gaza Strip. The tunnels previously built to smuggle weapons in from Egypt, now number in the hundreds after the Israeli government enforced a blockade on Gaza in 2007. Hundreds of tunnels line 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. Tunnel workers are warned in advance of pending bombings by Egyptian police who receive advance notice of bombing operations from the Israelis. 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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