| Page 4 of 4 < |
As Israeli Siege Strangles Gaza Strip, Hamas, Smugglers Profit Off Tunnels
|
TOOLBOX
   Resize
COMMENT
 Discussion Policy
 CLOSE
Comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
Who's Blogging  |
It is impossible to know exactly how much money because no one knows how many tunnels exist. Estimates range from dozens to hundreds that are scattered along the eight-mile border.
Even so, shortages persist.
"People in Rafah used to know that they could find anything here. These shelves used to be full. Now it's shameful," said Talat Abu Eyadah, pointing to the empty display cases in his dim and dusty Rafah grocery store. "Nothing is available. And if you do find it, you can't afford it."
That's music to the ears of Abu Mosab, the smuggler, who prides himself on finding hard-to-get items. "Whatever the shopkeepers ask for, we bring," he said. "If they want a certain kind of shoe, we'll get them those shoes."
But his work does not come cheaply. He charges $6,000 in transportation costs for every ton of material that travels through his tunnel.
A thin man of 36 with a toothy smile and a long, wispy beard, Abu Mosab said he feels sorry for all of the people who are suffering.
"It's miserable here," he said. "And Hamas is responsible. They are the reason for the siege."
But for his own sake, he hopes Hamas's reign lasts as long as possible.
"God willing," Abu Mosab said, "I will pass the tunnel along to my sons."
