Region | Palestinian Territories

US pressures Egypt on Gaza border

Thousands leave Gaza in search of food as the United States urges Egypt to secure its border.

  • Agencies
  • Published: 10:33 January 25, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • Image Credit: AP
  • Thousands of Palestinians crossed into Egypt on Wednesday and came back to Gaza with groceries after fighters destroyed parts of the border wall.

Rafah: Amid the continuing exodus of thousands of Palestinians from Israeli-blockaded Gaza, the United States has pressured Egypt to secure its border with the territory.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said she understood it was "difficult" but the border "needs to be protected".

Thousands of Palestinians crossed into Egypt on Wednesday and came back to Gaza with groceries after fighters destroyed parts of the border wall.

The Israeli government fears that Hamas fighters may use the opportunity to smuggle weapons into Gaza. Israeli police had been ordered to be on increased alert for terrorists.

The supply of food and fuel has been running low in Gaza after Israel tightened its blockade of the area to force Hamas to stop rocket attacks into Israeli towns.

Egyptian foreign ministry spokesman Hossam Zaki promised the border would "go back as normal". He said the current situation is only "temporary".

Meanwhile, two Israeli air strikes on cars killed at least four Palestinian fighters, including two Hamas commanders, in southern Gaza on Friday, security officials said.

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An Israeli army spokeswoman confirmed the military air strikes in Rafah, saying that troops were targeting "terror operatives".

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