[Smuggling Tunnels: Introduction]

The excavation of smuggling tunnels in the Rafah area began in 1982, subsequent to the division of the city between Egypt and the Gaza Strip. Since then, the tunnels have been used to smuggle foreign currency, weapons, clothes, cigarettes, narcotics, alcohol, auto parts, electronic items, and prostitutes from Egyptian Rafah to the Palestinian areas of the Gaza Strip.

Due to the exorbitant prices charged for the transport of illicit goods, the smuggling industry often constitutes a primary source of income for entire families in the area. As such, tunnel entrances are frequently dug under the houses of Palestinian residents of Rafah.

The average smuggling tunnel is approximately 500 meters in length, and dozens of meters deep. Smuggling tunnels may be equipped with wood-paneling, electrical infrastructure, communications gear, and rudimentary elevators. 1

[From Oslo to the Disengagement]

In August 2005, Israel and Egypt finalized an agreement regarding the deployment of approximately 750 Egyptian border guards along the Philadelphi route. The agreement stipulated that Israel withdraw from the 12 kilometer-long route (which was created to prevent arms smuggling into the Gaza Strip) shortly after the disengagement. The agreement was subsequently ratified by the Knesset and Egyptian troops deployed along Philadelphi in September. 2

However, it should be noted that Egypt continues to turn a blind eye towards Palestinian weapons smuggling.

In order to create a continuous cover of observation and fire, as well as a physical blockade, the IDF constructed a wall along the Philadelphi Route, and established the Termit and Hardon positions. In addition, the IDF detonated explosives along the route in an effort to cause the collapse of tunnels in the area. The IDF also dug canals, and attempted to flood the tunnels with sea water.

In December 2004, a robot (originally utilized by the Israel Air Force rescue squad) was fitted with a compass and transmitter. The robot was slated to be used to explore and identify tunnel routes, allowing IDF soldiers to remain aboveground during the process. This measure was implemented following the deaths of several IDF soldiers involved in tunnel excavations.

In April 2005, media reports indicated that the IDF planned to establish a "special security zone" along the Egyptian border in the southern Gaza Strip - in an attempt to bolster security ahead of the disengagement. According to YnetNews, "the project aim[ed] to address weapons smuggling and recurrent firefights in what has become the most violent spot in the Gaza Strip, the Philadelphi Route."

The project was to have included construction of a 7-9 meter high wall that would "nullify the danger of explosive devices, sniper fire, and the threat of anti-tank missiles." In addition, the IDF was slated to integrate "several sophisticated systems, including various sensors, and systems that can address the tunnels, dig deep, and insert explosive material into the ground."

In June 2005, the IDF weekly publication Bamhane reported that the military had discovered a method of blocking Palestinian smuggling tunnels dug underneath the Gaza-Egypt border via the use of a large trench-digging machine.

The new trenching machine, manufactured by U.S. company Trencor Inc., could have provided a possible, albeit temporary solution to the smuggling problem by neutralizing tunnels. 3

1. Israel's peace agreement with Egypt granted Israel security control over a strip of land running 70 meters east of the Philadelphi Road. "The Rafah Smuggling Tunnels: A Historical Background," IDF Spokesperson's Office, October 12, 2003; "Background Material: Rafah Weapon Smuggling Tunnels," IDF Spokesperson's Office, October 10, 2003; "The Rafah Terror Tunnels: An Underground City of Weaponry," IDF Spokesperson's Office, February 11, 2003; David Frankfurter, "Gaza's Underground Economy," FrontPageMagzine.Com, June 9, 2004; Margaret Dudkevitch, "Background: Tunnels Keep Gaza Terrorists Awash in Arms," Jerusalem Post, May 16, 2004; Arnon Regular, "Background / Profits Drive Smuggling in Rafah," Ha'aretz, May 19, 2004; Amos Harel, "IDF Plans to Build Trench Along Philadelphi Road," Ha'aretz, April 28, 2004.



2. "Background Material: Rafah Weapon Smuggling Tunnels," IDF Spokesperson's Office, October 10, 2003; "The Rafah Smuggling Tunnels: A Historical Background," IDF Spokesperson's Office, October 12, 2003; "Israel and Egypt Strike Deal on Philadelphi Route Deployment," Ha'aretz, August 15, 2005; Gideon Alon, "Knesset Okays Philadelphi Deal With Egypt By Large Majority," Ha'aretz, August 31, 2005; Yusri Mohamed, "CORRECTED-Egypt Moves 5,000 Troops Near Gaza Border," Reuters, October 28, 2006).
   
   


3. "Background Material: Rafah Weapon Smuggling Tunnels, IDF Spokesperson's Office, October 10, 2003; "A Tough Challenge - The Philadelphi Route, Ha'aretz, May 13, 2004; Amos Harel, "Living on Burrowed time," Ha'aretz, December 17, 2004; "Trench Planned Along Philadelphi Route to Stop Weapons Smuggling," IsraelNationalNews, January 11, 2005; Amos Harel, "IDF plans Electronic Fence on Egyptian Border," Ha'aretz, January 26, 2005; Hanan Greenberg, "IDF Setting up 'Security Strip' Near Philadelphi Route on the Gaza-Egypt Border, Ahead of Upcoming Pullout," YnetNews, April 14, 2005; "IDF to Use Mammoth Trencher to Expose Gaza Tunnels," Associated Press, June 4, 2005.
   
   
   

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