Unlike previous 6 tunnel collapses where fault was placed on Egypt or Israel, which made smugglers & terrorists alike worried about entering, Hamas has officially labeled the death of  Izzadin Al-Kassam Brigades member, “a work accident.”

By YAAKOV LAPPIN

A Gaza tunnel collapsed in Shujaiyyeh, in the eastern part of Gaza city on Monday, an area near the border with Israel, killing a Hamas operative who was inside.

Abdel Salam Aid Al-Batniji, 36, of the Hamas military wing, died in a tunnel collapse in Gaza. – Photo: ARAB SOCIAL MEDIA

Hamas’s military wing, the Izzadin Al-Kassam Brigades, named the operative as 36-year-old Al-Salam Al-Batniji. It described the collapse as a work accident.

Earlier this month, the Jerusalem Post, citing Palestinian sources, reported that Hamas operatives were afraid to enter underground tunnels in the Gaza Strip fearing they will collapse.

Some of the operatives digging the tunnels believe Israel was involved in at least some of the recent tunnel collapses that claimed the lives of several Hamas men.

RELATED:

• Hamas operatives believe Israel behind tunnel collapses, afraid to go underground
• 3rd Gaza terror-tunnel collapses, Hamas asks Israel if they are cause
• Reported, then denied: 7 Palestinian terrorists dead after terror tunnel collapses

In January and February, official reports describe collapses caused by recent storms and heavy rains. However, among Hamas and others, there are many who believe Israel is responsible.

A Hamas attack tunnel collapsed in the Gaza Strip in the Zeitoun area at the start of February.

On the previous day, Hamas officials confirmed the death of at least two of its operatives in a separate tunnel collapse. Eight others were reported missing after the underground passageway caved in, according to the Izzadin al-Kassam Brigades.

In the previous week, seven Hamas men were killed when a tunnel collapsed close to Gaza’s eastern border with Israel.

Noam Rotenberg and Noam Amir contributed to this report.

View original The Jerusalem Post publication at:
http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Gaza-tunnel-collapse-kills-member-of-Hamas-military-wing-447859

Liked this post? well,
One click, and you can download our free App