|
Trending Topics
|
Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE68R1SG20100928
Gaza's Troubled Tunnel Trade Swings into Reverse
(Reuters) Nidal al-Mughrabi - Business has become so bad for Gaza's smugglers since Israel relaxed its blockade that some tunnel traders have turned into underground exporters. After Israel eased the blockade, over-priced clandestine imports from Egypt lost their allure as cheaper goods brought in through Israeli border crossings became available. Many smugglers went out of business. Easing the blockade has also led to a collapse of unofficial tax revenues which Hamas earned from the tunnel trade. Abu Khail, a Gaza tunneler, reckons 15 to 20 tunnels are now shipping to Egypt. "We're exporting raw materials like aluminum, copper, scrap metal, plus eggs, ducks and chickens," said one worker.