Israel to Build Underground Wall Around Gaza Strip

Gaza, 11 Ramadan 1437/17 June 2016 (MINA) – Israel will build a concrete wall tens of meters underground as well as above ground along the Gaza Strip border to deter attack from underground tunnels, according to an Israeli newspaper.

A wall that stretches underground is believed necessary to combat the proliferation of attack tunnels running under the border between Gaza and Israel.

It has previously been estimated that such a project would cost tens of billions of shekels (Israeli currency).

However, under the new plan the construction costs are estimated to reach NIS 2.2 billion, WAM reported, quoting the Yedioth Ahronoth.

The wall will stretch along the 60 miles of the southern border around the Gaza Strip, and will in fact be the third defense system of its kind Israel has built along the border.

The first 60-kilometer barrier was constructed in 1994 following the Oslo accords while the second system was built following the decision to disengage from Gaza in 2005, the paper said. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)