EGYPTIAN ARMY DESTROYS 90 PERCENT OF GAZA'S TUNNELS

Gaza City, 24 Shawwal 1434/31 August 2013 (MINA) –The Egyptian Army Forces have destroyed more than 90% of Gaza’s tunnels, Rafah Mayor said.

Subhi Abu Radwan told Alresalah.ps that “life in the Gaza Strip has stopped after the destruction of those “lifelines” because there are no sufficient construction materials or fuel”.

Abu Radwan condemned the Egyptian army operations, especially as it used to aid the people under siege eight years ago.

The tunnels between Gaza and Egypt are used to smuggle essential commodities into the besieged Strip, including fuel used for Gaza’s sole electricity plant and construction materials that are currently banned but much needed after two Israeli wars that destroyed thousands of Palestinians houses and public facilities.

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Palestinian sources said Egyptian forces have destroyed tunnels using massive explosive devices that shake the ground.

They believe that this might undermine the foundations of the houses in the nearby areas. Alresalah media reported monitored by Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)

After the coup against the freely elected Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi last month, the Egyptian army limited the working hours at the Rafah Crossing.

The Gaza Strip has been under a strict siege since 2006, when Israel imposed sanctions on the imports and exports of many goods. During this time, Israel also launched two destructive wars, destroying thousands of Palestinian homes, schools, mosques, clinics, and other facilities.

Also Read: 600 PALESTINIAN PATIENTS HELD IN ISRAELI PRISONS

As a result, Palestinians were obliged to dig the tunnels to smuggle essential commodities into Gaza in order to sustain their daily lives. (T/P02/P04/E1)

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)