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."