GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – Palestinian officials said Monday two Gaza men were killed when a cross-border smuggling tunnel collapsed on them.
The Gaza Health Ministry says five other people were wounded in Monday's collapse. One body was found soon after the collapse and the other several hours later. Security officials said the tunnel was under construction at the time.
Such collapses are common along the Gaza Strip's border with Egypt. Smuggling tunnels in the area have become an important route for goods and a lucrative business. Palestinian smugglers use the tunnels to move weapons and contraband into Gaza,
Israel and Egypt are blockading the territory in an attempt to weaken the Hamas government and end ongoing rocket fire at Israeli towns. The blockade has increased demand for smuggled goods.
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