Terrorists are using at least 150 smuggling tunnels connecting Egypt and Gaza, according to the Arabic Al Hayat newspaper. It estimated the amount of money and weapons brought through the tunnels at approximately half a billion dollars.
Israel has criticized Egypt for not stopping the smuggling, which has enabled Hamas to amass an army that military analysts estimate is only two or three years away from reaching the strength of the Hizbullah army in Lebanon.
Israel was responsible for the border until it relinquished authority to Egypt as part of the policy to expel Jews from Gush Katif communities and to turn over the area to the Palestinian Authority (PA).