Palestinians protest tunnel closures

GAZA, West Bank, Sept. 30 (UPI) -- Dozens of Palestinians gathered near the Gaza border Sunday to protest Egypt shutting down a tunnel network used for the passage of goods, officials said.

Hamas leaders, residents and local officials urged newly elected Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi to protect the entry of goods into Gaza, which is under an Israeli land and sea blockage at every other border, Palestinian news agency Maan reported.

"Don't force us to lose hope in the Egyptian revolution and in the new regime," said Hamas official Yousef Farahat.

Egypt started closing the tunnels Aug. 5 after 16 Egyptian soldiers were killed by gunmen in Sinai, Maan reported. Egyptian authorities said the gunmen may have used the tunnels.