Downed Gaza Wall

A section of the border wall that separates the Gaza Strip from Egypt was destroyed in an explosion on January 23, 2008. The explosion destroyed a 200 meter section of the wall, allowing Palestinians to enter Egypt and acquire essential provisions previously denied to them by the siege of Gaza.

While Hamas has denied any involvement in the incident, Israeli officials believe that the wall's destruction was partially motivated by Hamas' desire to compromise Israeli security.New York Times: Palestinians Topple Gaza Wall and Cross to Egypt (January 24, 2008) By breaching the wall, Israel fears that Hamas will establish a supply line through Egypt that would allow militants to purchase weapons.

• Google News: Downed Gaza Wall
• The Age: And the wall came tumbling down (January 24, 2008)
• BBC News: Eyewitness: Gazans surge across border (January 23, 2008)
  • "Palestnian militants blew up parts of the border wall between Gaza and Egypt yesterday [January 23, 2008] allowing tens of thousands of Palestinians into Egypt to stock up on food and fuel, which are in short supply in the Gaza Strip because of an Israeli blockade."
• Canada.com: Emergency supplies trickle into Gaza from Israel (January 22, 2008)
• Financial Times: Palestinians break through Egypt border (January 23, 2008)
  • "Egyptian border guards and police watched but did not intervene as the Palestinians crossed freely in cars, on foot and in donkey carts - in contrast to the previous day, when clashes between Gazans and Egyptian police had left about 60 wounded."
• Jerusalem Post: Hamas ready to cede border control (January 23, 2008)
• VOA News: Gazans Pour Into Egypt After Border Fence Breached (January 23, 2008)