Ep 1. The Tunnels of Gaza

In the inaugural episode of Black Market: Dispatches, audiences are taken on a dangerous journey into the underground tunnels that run between Gaza and Egypt. The episode begins with a brief history of the political complexities of the region, including a discussion of the Israeli blockade that has rendered Gaza economically stagnant. From there, the program introduces viewers to the illicit activity that has arisen in response to such restrictions.

Through interviews with smugglers and everyday Gazans, the episode sheds light on the conditions that have led to the development of this treacherous network of tunnels, which run beneath the surface of the Gaza Strip and connect it to the rest of the world. We learn how smugglers have learned to transport everything from weapons and fuel to appliances and clothing through these dark, narrow passageways -- often at great risk to their own lives.

Meanwhile, the program also introduces us to some of the everyday people whose lives have been impacted by this illicit trade. We meet a young Gazan couple who turned to smuggling as a means of earning a living, only to find themselves facing severe punishment if caught by the authorities. We also learn about the wider implications of the trade, including its role in bolstering the Hamas regime that rules over Gaza.

Throughout the episode, we are given a vivid sense of the danger and unpredictability that characterizes life both inside the tunnels and in the wider Gaza Strip. With the help of expert commentators and smugglers, the program delves into the complex web of political and economic factors that have given rise to this underground world, and the profound human cost that it exacts upon those who live in its shadows.

With its immersive storytelling and powerful visuals, The Tunnels of Gaza sets the stage for a riveting first season of Black Market: Dispatches -- one that is sure to capture the attention of viewers around the world.