According to a variety of newspapers, in the last week the government of Egypt decided to flood Gaza smuggle tunnels used by Hamas. It appears as though these tunnels provide some (not much) economic aid for those living there: "Much of the blockade has been loosened over the years, but residents still rely on the tunnels to get vital goods that are otherwise difficult to obtain in Gaza, such as construction materials and cheap fuel." In fact, "The tunnels have kept a modest construction boom flowing in Gaza that employs thousands of people, while an estimated 2,000 men and boys work in some 250 border tunnels."According to a second source I read, it appears as though this pattern isn't new. In fact, "Less than 270 tunnels are operating now, down from around 1,200 tunnels in 2010," the official told AFP on condition of anonymity." This really hurts Palestine, like REALLY hurts them.


This will certainly strain ties between Egypt and Hamas. However, it is an essential platform for the President of Egypt to take seeing that it may result in more legitimacy/support/backing from Western Europe. Nonetheless, Egypt may now be a role model for democracy due to its transformation under the Arab Spring. The work of Egypt may instill peace or democracy perhaps as long as they keep their head up right. 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20130219/ml-gaza-egypt/?utm_hp_ref=chicago&ir=chicagoH#
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hnt-o4NSpq96GCOkWAPeCzuvODNA?docId=CNG.f62819774b83bf3f5e494aa1f429620d.311