Palestinians killed in Gaza tunnel collapse

Five people died when a tunnel under the Gaza border collapsed early today.

Health official Dr Moawia Hassanein said another person is missing in the cave-in. The collapse was caused by heavy winter rain.

Gazans use tunnels to smuggle in goods that are not available in the territory because of Israel and Egypt’s blockade of its borders.

Militants also use the tunnels to bring in weapons.

Many tunnels suffered major damage in Israeli bombing raids in an attempt to halt the arms smuggling. Egypt also tries to destroy tunnel entrances on its side of the border.

The latest deaths brought to 13 the number of Palestinians killed this year in tunnelling accidents.