Egyptian riot police direct traffic away from Egypt-Gaza border

Rafah: Egyptian riot police gathered on Thursday at the Egypt-Gaza border, directing traffic away from the frontier fence smashed by Hamas militants a day earlier.

Dozens of Egyptian police in helmets and with search dogs used batons to beat the hoods of private cars and pickup trucks that had massed at the border. Several armored vehicles flying Egyptian flags were also patrolling the area.

US and Arab officials said on Wednesday that Egypt had assured the United States it would soon reseal the border.

On Thursday, thousands of Palestinians continued to flow through the wrecked fence. Egyptian drivers were charging incoming Palestinians 20 Egyptian pounds ($3.60) for a ride into nearby towns.

A few dozen Palestinians could also be seen returning to Gaza loaded with groceries.