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Israel-Palestine
Hamas blows hole in Gaza border
2005-09-14
Hamas militants have destroyed a section of a concrete barrier erected along the Gaza-Egypt border. Palestinian and Egyptian troops have been trying to shore up the barrier to stop Palestinians crossing into Egypt after the withdrawal of Israeli troops. In chaotic scenes, thousands of Palestinians have streamed over the border in the last few days without undergoing official checks. Despite this, Egypt says that its Gaza border is officially closed.

Militants from Hamas cleared an area before setting off explosives that blew away a section of the wall. Palestinian security officers present did nothing to prevent them. A local Hamas commander warned them not to try to intervene, the AFP news agency reported.

The Egyptian authorities have given a deadline of 1800 (1300 GMT) for people to return to the right side of the Gaza border or they will be arrested. The mass crossings have raised questions whether Egypt is be able to honour its deal with Israel and maintain security along the border, correspondents say. Many of those crossing have been going to visit relatives stranded on the other side of the border, to buy cheaper food and other goods, or just out of curiosity. Israel fears militants will exploit the situation to smuggle weapons into Gaza.
Fears? They're counting on it
Egypt's ambassador to Israel, Mohammed Asim Ibrahim, has vowed to maintain law and order. But the diplomat expressed sympathy for Palestinians from Gaza crossing the border. "You're talking about people who have been physically in prison for the last 38 years. So some elements just rushed to the other side of the border," he added.
Posted by:Steve

#10  SPOD, while they have no interest in more paleos in Egypt, what are your thoughts to letting bad guys in with weapons. I see them not giving a rip which will be very bad here.
Posted by: Jan   2005-09-14 17:35  

#9  methinks #8 was premature.
Posted by: Omolutle Wholutle4592   2005-09-14 17:07  

#8  when the bloodfool rushes in, where head wise man doesn't
Posted by: Omosing Angineling6668   2005-09-14 16:53  

#7  "As they seem to be experts in Blowing things
how about a blow job ???"

Pretty low standards you have there, t.h. - hope you've had all your shots.
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut   2005-09-14 16:33  

#6  As they seem to be experts in Blowing things
how about a blow job ???
Posted by: thurlong hupong 3125   2005-09-14 16:13  

#5  Hamas controls Gaza. Abbas will do nothing to assert control. The Egyptians will do what they can to maintain the border. At some point they will get hard assed about it. Thay have no interest in having more Paleos in Egypt.
Posted by: Sock Puppet O´ Doom   2005-09-14 15:08  

#4  Methinks the withdrawal from Gaza was the smartest move made by anyone since the last Intifada.
If Abu Maazen pulls his finger out of his ass and kicks Hamas butt (which I think is highly unlikely) we have achieved one goal and there may be some chance after all.
If he does not, and the stupid Hamas make a single mistake, the IDF will have a nicely fenced, pre-targeted killing zone (this time with no remorse and no holds barred).
HastaLavista
Posted by: Elder of Zion   2005-09-14 14:56  

#3  nice to see the Egyptian border so respected by the new state of hysteria Palestine
Posted by: Frank G   2005-09-14 11:40  

#2  'has vowed to maintain law and order. But..'

says it all

'A local Hamas commander warned them not to try to intervene'
It's nice to see who's really in charge here
Posted by: Jan   2005-09-14 10:23  

#1  I just hope Egypt likes its new neighbors. I know they couldn't stand the old ones. Hehehe.
Posted by: BrerRabbit   2005-09-14 09:47  

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