A Hamas
operative revealed to Ynet Wednesday that smuggling tunnels spread throughout the border between Egypt
and Gaza were now being used to smuggle new cars into the Strip, in pieces.
For the first time in three years new automobile models, produced in 2009, are being spotted on the streets of Gaza after car dealers have succeed in smuggling them through underground tunnels regularly bombed by Israel.
Economic Distress
Gazans improvise to honor Ramadan traditions / Associated Press
Strip's residents learning to adapt to Hamas rule, Israeli blockade. During holy Muslim month, demand is particularly high for soft drinks and chocolates, while smugglers also beef up imports of shoes, clothes and toys
The Hamas operative said around 10 vehicles had been dismantled in Egypt into four parts each and then welded back together in the Strip.
He said the cars had been brought in by experienced smugglers in possession of wide tunnels, as a service to members of Gaza's upper classes. However he added that the practice was still not widespread and intended for only a small percentage of the population.
Abu Bilel, a Gazan resident who has taken it upon himself to reassemble the cars, told Lebanese a-Safir newspaper about his new trade.
"The cars are separated into four parts, not including the engine, on the Egyptian side and are then transferred through the tunnels to Rafah. After we receive all the parts we put them together and paint the car in the color requested by the buyer," he was quoted as saying.
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