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Monday, October 27, 2008

450 tunnels straddle Egypt-Gaza border; Economic impact thwarts crackdown

LONDON — Egypt has refused to crack down on rampant smuggling to the Gaza Strip, a report said.

The International Crisis Group said despite U.S. and Israeli pressure, the regime of President Hosni Mubarak has not launched a genuine crackdown on smuggling from Egypt's Sinai Peninsula to the Gaza Strip.

The Brussels-based think tank said Egypt has been quietly cooperating with the Hamas regime in the crackdown, with Egyptian authorities told to close tunnels by dissident Palestinian clans.

"Political and technical issues still stand in the way of more decisive action," the report said. "Egypt appears reluctant to move too aggressively."

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The report said the Mubarak regime has been wary of support by the Hamas regime by Islamists both within and outside parliament. ICG said an end to smuggling would also harm the economy of eastern Sinai.

"It is loath to appear as chief enforcer of the siege; faces unrest in the impoverished El Arish region of Sinai, to which the tunnels bring economic benefit; fears reprisal attacks by Sinai Bedouin who are active in smuggling networks; and has a population, especially among the Muslim Brotherhood, that sympathises with Hamas," the report said.

ICG said Egypt has reported the closing of up to 150 tunnels from July to September 2008. But the report said the number was exaggerated and that many of the tunnels continued to operate through other openings.

"Technical obstacles remain significant as well," the report said. "The tunnel bodies, deep underground, have multiple entries and exits that can be re-dug as needed."

ICG said at least 450 tunnels cross the divided city of Rafah. The report said Hamas has taken over the tunnel smuggling network and penalized tunnel operators by telling Egyptian authorities of smuggling activities.

Relations between Hamas and Egypt continue to be fraught with tension. Hamas has demanded the release of a senior operative, Ayman Nofal, arrested in 2008 on charges of plotting to attack the Mubarak regime.

"Nofal's continued detention is annoying and it has topped the agenda of all talks with Egyptian officials," Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said. "We hope Egypt can end it by freeing him."



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