Hamas has begun to build an oil pipeline from Egypt to Rafiah inside one of the tunnels designed to smuggle fuel, as well as weapons, according to Arabs sources. The move represents an attempt by Hamas to bring fuel to Gaza on a regular basis and to control smuggling.
Smuggling tunnels also are used for smuggling drugs, a practice Hamas wants to stop. Several Arab leaders favor the tunnel system, especially for smuggling weapons, but have noted the numerous deaths as a result of work accidents. The tunnel system has become a booming local industry, employing approximately 5,000 people and netting tunnel operators millions of dollar a month.