Egyptian security forces in the Sinai Peninsula destroyed 10 smuggling tunnels this week in yet another show that Cairo is increasing efforts to stem the flow of illegal contraband between Egypt and the Hamas-run Gaza. Security officials reported that no injuries occurred during the exercise. The move to destroy the tunnels came after a number of Palestinian and Egyptian smugglers had been killed in similar operations in recent months. Smuggling has become common-place in Gaza, where an Israeli blockade has caused economic hardships on the citizens of the small Mediterranean territory. In addition to the blockade, which was established following Hamas’ take-over in 2007, Israel has called on Egypt to do more in shutting down the tunnels. Israeli media reported last week that Egyptian security forces with the aid of A merican experts and equipment, had detected 42 tunnels used by smugglers to tran s fer food, fuel and sometimes weapons. The Egyptian government has repeatedly told Israel that it has bolstered its bor der forces and is cracking down on the smuggling tunnels.
