Doctor: Gaza tunnels are comfortable and safe

The way between Egypt-Gaza Gaza – Mohammed Habib An Egypt-based Palestinian doctor has revealed that crossing through the tunnels between Egypt and the Palestinian Gaza Strip, was much easier than he ever imagined, even describing them as comfortable, quick and safe.  The doctor revealed his job security in Egypt was in jeopardy due to the length of time his trips between Egypt and Gaza took when he would visit his family across the border.
The doctor, who wished to remain anonymous, spoke to the the Quds Arabic newspaper: "I was about to lose my job last summer and decided not to visit Gaza this year, till some friends suggested the tunnels. I slightly hesitated and then inquired and found it easy."
He added: "The tunnel experience was so much easier than I ever imagined. My family and I moved from the Egyptian side to the Palestinian through a comfortable underground passageway and it took just minutes to be in the Palestinian Rafah."
The doctor says he had no other solution but to contact his relatives to facilitate entry through the tunnels from the Egyptian side to the Palestinian, so he could return to his work on time without being threatened by the danger of losing his contract.
Tunnels are considered an easier travel option for many people, but there are special procedures which need to be undertaken. Tunnel owners who do not adhere to the instructions by the "Committee for tunnels" administered by the Gaza-based Hamas government are exposed to punitive measures and travelers must seek special permission from the Committee before they are allowed to travel through them.
The Palestinian doctor explained that he took the drastic step only because of the difficulty and unreliability of traveling through the Rafah crossing as it suffers from overcrowding and delays. He referred that he was to choose between not visiting his family and visiting them through the tunnels.
A Palestinian student who is currently studying in Egypt, and who also wished not to give his name, was afraid of traveling through tunnels because of the risks normally associated with the tunnels.  But he says that tunnels have recently become far more secure as a result of equipment and maintenance conducted by the owners of the tunnels. Moreover, tension between Gaza and Israel has been quiet compared to the past.
The student said that a typical journey from Egypt to the Gaza Strip only takes about 15 minutes.  He said many other students opt for this route because some are made to wait months to return back to their studies in Egypt as a result of the limited numbers allowed to travel through the Rafah crossing.
The student explained that has become routine for those who wish to visit Gaza to resort to tunnels:  “You can walk into them as if you are walking on a paved road.  You don’t even have to lower your head”.
Tunnels have traditionally been seen as the last resort for those who wish to easily enter and exit to and from the Gaza Strip. But the increase in the tunnel’s usage has prompted Hamas officials to organise special safety mechanisms for tunnel transport, in order to avoid, criminals passing between the neighbouring sides.  People now wishing to travel through the tunnels must now register a few days before they are due to travel.  They are then provided with written permission, which is delivered to the owner of the tunnel before they can leave. The owner of the tunnel also bears legal responsibility in case of smuggling any person without official approval.
An owner of one tunnel said that there are at least 10 working shafts, dedicated to the movement of individuals in accordance with and specific conditions and rules.  Safety procedures have been developed to be safe and easy for travelers.  For example, many tunnels now have lighting and concrete walls, and are equipped with medical supplies.
While the Egyptian side is primitive and hidden in its appearance, the Palestinian side is a lot more sophisticated and safe, with the presence of secured elevators. The average fees per capita are 100 dollars.  The tunnels work all week except Friday and Saturday.