Tunnel collapses along Israel-Egypt border
A tunnel used by Palestinian weapons smugglers along the Egyptian border collapsed today, burying several people inside.
Israeli military sources said the tunnel collapsed while an unknown number of Palestinians were digging toward an Israeli army outpost near Rafah. Officials said the army would help in rescue efforts.
Palestinian officials said the tunnel collapsed as a result of heavy rains in the area overnight. They said five people, all from the same family, were trapped in the rubble.
They said the army had permitted two Palestinian bulldozers to enter the area to help dig out the people.
The Rafah area, along Gaza’s border with Egypt, is a frequent flashpoint of violence. Israeli troops operate in the area, searching for smuggling tunnels used by Palestinian militants.
