Until last week, an intricate tunnel system ran beneath Gaza’s southern border, linking the city of Rafah to Egypt. These tunnels were a lifeline for Gaza, running everything from food, fuel, medicine and commercial goods to weapons for Hamas and other militant groups. In a country with closed borders, it was their only way to import what they needed.
In the last week, Israeli air assaults on Gaza have dealt a crippling blow to the tunnel system, destroying most and making those that do remain impossible to pass. On the Egyptian side, the military is out in force making sure that no one passing through any tunnels that may have survived the attacks.
In August I was granted access to descend into and photograph a Hamas tunnel system, something that few local journalists, much less foreign press are allowed to see or document. Palestinians risk their lives working in the tunnels both for monetary reward and basic survival, so for me it was interesting to document the risks they take in order to dig and operate these tunnels. They have always been a risky operation and many people have lost their lives. Three people died in a tunnel collapse the day before I arrived to shoot this story and the tunnel I was supposed to visit collapsed on my trip down to Rafah from Gaza City.
© Zoriah/www.zoriah.com : blog use permitted : use credit : link to zoriah.com : permalink to this post
The Gaza/Egypt border line in Rafah August, 2008. The metal wall constructed by Israel to allow their tanks and troops into Gaza but keep Palestinians from exiting was cut down by Hamas after coming into power.
© Zoriah/www.zoriah.com : blog use permitted : use credit : link to zoriah.com : permalink to this post
An apartment complex riddled with bullet holes from Israeli fire on Rafah, Gaza
© Zoriah/www.zoriah.com : blog use permitted : use credit : link to zoriah.com : permalink to this post
A home damaged by Israeli Defense Force fire in Rafah
© Zoriah/www.zoriah.com : blog use permitted : use credit : link to zoriah.com : permalink to this post
A wall damaged by gun and tank fire in Rafah
© Zoriah/www.zoriah.com : blog use permitted : use credit : link to zoriah.com : permalink to this post
Hamas tunnel workers prepare to send someone down the 30m (100 feet) shaft to work in the tunnel in Rafah
© Zoriah/www.zoriah.com : blog use permitted : use credit : link to zoriah.com : permalink to this post
A 30m (100 feet) shaft leading to a Hamas run tunnel linking Gaza to Egypt
© Zoriah/www.zoriah.com : blog use permitted : use credit : link to zoriah.com : permalink to this post
Palestinian tunnel workers monitor the descent of another into a tunnel leading to Egypt in Rafah
© Zoriah/www.zoriah.com : blog use permitted : use credit : link to zoriah.com : permalink to this post
A worker completes his descent deep underground into a Hamas-run tunnel leading from Rafah to Egypt
© Zoriah/www.zoriah.com : blog use permitted : use credit : link to zoriah.com : permalink to this post
A man works in confined spaces underground in a tunnel leading from Rafah to Egypt
© Zoriah/www.zoriah.com : blog use permitted : use credit : link to zoriah.com : permalink to this post
A Hamas-operated tunnel leading from Rafah to Egypt
© Zoriah/www.zoriah.com : blog use permitted : use credit : link to zoriah.com : permalink to this post
A Palestinian worker prepares a plastic sled that will be pulled by a winch to Egypt, loaded with goods and sent back to Rafah
© Zoriah/www.zoriah.com : blog use permitted : use credit : link to zoriah.com : permalink to this post
A tunnel worker uses a crude intercom system to communicate with other workers far above his head at street level
I remembered this story from In Harm's Way...I give you so much credit for things you're willing to endure and risk to cover stories few outlets are willing to cover right now. Watching the news feeds here in the US about Gaza don't seem to do any justice to the suffering that's most assuredly occurring there.
Posted by: Keith | January 08, 2009 at 20:52
I found out about you through that TV series. It was nice to see the images from that expedition. You're very brave.
Posted by: Michael George | January 09, 2009 at 01:17
Great and courageous video. I've spent days, since this latest atrocity began, researching and have seen NOTHING like this. Thanks for risking so much to bring so much to light.
Posted by: mark Aleshnick | January 09, 2009 at 05:10
Impressive document. Really.
Posted by: Fabián Fucci | January 09, 2009 at 11:14
Hi Zoriah,
Great video, passed it on to David, who hopefully can convince Jeff to put it on Rense.com
Take care friend!
Posted by: JeSo | January 16, 2009 at 17:52
Made a link on my website, maybe it helps!
http://www.jeso.nl/sblog2/blog.php?id=107
Posted by: JeSo | January 16, 2009 at 18:09
Bon une histoire. J'apprécie vraiment.
Posted by: supra shoes | November 18, 2010 at 08:23
Impressive. Pictures of spaces on your blog are really epic.
Posted by: Anadrol | December 16, 2010 at 11:17
Friends are those rare people who ask how we are and then wait to hear the answer.
- Anonymous
Posted by: canada goose cheap | November 19, 2011 at 07:00
I see the article quiet critical. Thanks for sharing anyways, nice to hear
different opinions on that topic.
Posted by: Anti aging Vitamins | November 23, 2011 at 09:12
I really enjoy simply reading all of your weblogs. Simply wanted to inform
you that you have people like me who appreciate your work. Definitely a great
post. Hats off to you! The information that you have provided is very helpful.
Posted by: Natural supplements | November 30, 2011 at 10:50
Your pictures are mind boggling. Love the black and whites. Hope it does some good for the Gaza conflict resolution.
Posted by: Winstrol Stanozolol | December 06, 2011 at 11:13
I agree with you. This post is truly inspiring. I like your post and everything
you share with us is current and very informative, I want to bookmark the page
so I can return here from you that you have done a fantastic job ...
Posted by: dieta online | February 09, 2012 at 09:58
Nice photos dear. you are such a talented photographer.
Posted by: SEO Dubai | February 18, 2012 at 13:39
These photos are just awesome. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: holga | May 21, 2012 at 04:41
These pictures are pretty amazing. Thanks for sharing them.
Posted by: Denver CO | February 27, 2013 at 05:21
coach 財布
コーチ
coach
コーチバッグ
コーチ 新作
クロムハーツ
クロムハーツ 財布
クロムハーツ tシャツ
クロムハーツ 財布
クロムハーツ ネックレス
オークリー ゴルフ
Posted by: vkapkotxr | May 30, 2013 at 04:45
I've joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful post.
? a h r e f = h t t p : / / w w w . c a s i o w a t c h - j a p a n . c o m >