Boom Times for Gaza Smugglers

(NEWSER) - The massive tunnels supplying food, medicine, and rockets from Egypt into Gaza are the bane of Israel's military, and a lifeline for Palestinians and the economy of Egypt’s destitute Sinai, the Los Angeles Times reports. Smuggling has been immune to military action, to the consternation of Israeli leaders. If it isn’t halted, “then one might very well ask why it was that we embarked on this war to begin with,” one Israeli general said. More»

Wall along border will extend 100 feet down to block tunnels

(NEWSER) - Egypt has begun work on a gigantic steel wall that will run along and under its border with the Gaza Strip in an effort to curb smuggling. The 6-mile wall will extend up to 100 feet underground, in an effort to close off the tunnels smugglers often use to avoid checkpoints. Authorities say the wall will be impossible to cut or melt. More»

Iran sends supplies to allies in Gaza

(NEWSER) - An American naval force is on the trail of a ship believed to be carrying Iranian arms bound for Hamas, the Times of London reports. Iran is working to resupply Hamas fighters in the wake of the three-week Israeli assault on Gaza using vessels purportedly sent to fight piracy along the African coast, according to Israeli intelligence. More»

Blockade, destroyed tunnels make rebuilding nearly impossible

(NEWSER) - Now that the guns have fallen silent in Gaza, the Palestinian enclave faces what might be the most difficult reconstruction project in recent history, writes Patrick Cockburn in the Independent. Rebuilding in the densely populated zone will face two major obstacles: the economic blockade by Israel and Egypt, and the destruction of tunnels that supplied Gaza with bombs—but also food and fuel. More»

Egypt begins stopping Palestinians from entering

(NEWSER) - As Gaza air strikes raged on for a second day, Israel said it bombed more than 40 Palestinian supply tunnels used to transport weapons, BBC reports. Palestine said one tunnel intended to carry fuel from Egypt to Gaza had been destroyed. Fleeing the southern strip into Egypt, hundreds of Palestinians were forced back by Egyptian security forces who opened fire. More»