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Al-Ahed Telegram

"Israel" Failed in Gaza Operation ~ Arms Smuggling Never Stopped

folder_openPalestine access_time15 years ago
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Source: Al-Manar TV, 22-01-2009

Although the "Israeli" air force bombed the Phildelphi corridor along the border thousands of times during the course of its aggression against the Gaza Strip, "Israeli" daily Haaretz quoted sources as saying that some tunnels running under the border between Egypt and the Strip have remained in use, and were in operation even during the fighting.

Contrary to "Israeli" official reports saying that "Israeli" army has achieved its war objectives in Gaza, Hamas was still able to smuggle arms, according to Haaretz report.
"Israeli" occupation government has announced that its goals in the 22-day offensive, to stop arms smuggling and enhance the "invincible army's image" in the region after it was lost during the Second Lebanon War in 206, were achieved. However tunnels lined with wood reinforcement have been especially resistant to air force bombing raids.

According to residents of Rafah, the reinforced tunnels were even used during the "Israeli" military offensive to smuggle in a group of German doctors who wanted to provide medical care to Gaza residents. In addition to Palestinian smugglers, Bedouin from Sinai are also involved in the trade through the tunnels.

Since the implementation of the cease-fire, the Egyptians have opened their border with the Gaza Strip to shipments of medical personnel and supplies as well as a limited number of foreign journalists, but they then hindered the entry of additional representatives of the foreign press who have been waiting at the border.

The "Israeli" security establishment was not surprised by Wednesday's reports saying some smuggling tunnels under the Gaza Strip's border with Egypt have begun to operate again despite heavy bombing during the "Israeli" offensive.

"Israeli" security officials said Hamas had tried to resume the smuggling while "Operation Cast Lead" was still ongoing, adding that they estimate the bombed tunnels will soon be reconstructed.

"The tunnels along the Philadelphi route are Hamas' central smuggling pipeline, and it is clear they will not give them up," one official said. "However," he added, "as opposed to the past, now there are agreements according to which several elements will work to thwart their efforts. We all hope these agreements will be implemented."

The US, Egypt and Europe have pledged to work extensively toward blocking the smuggling.
"This is one of the most important issues vis-à-vis the strengthening of Hamas. There is no doubt that Hamas, whose arsenal has been significantly depleted, will try to replenish it with Iran's help not only for military purposes but also to boost morale by showing that the rebuilding process is progressing at a fast pace," an "Israeli" security official claimed. "We must continue to monitor the situation closely and act accordingly."

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