By NNN-KUNA
Gaza : Border guards completely sealed the cross-point linking the Gaza Strip with Egypt, preventing many from crossing the borders, said eyewitnesses Sunday.
The eyewitnesses also indicated that Palestinians were prevented from crossing the Salahddin gate, adding that Egyptian central security forces were deployed to the area to stop any infiltrations.
They affirmed that Palestinians, who were allowed in the pervious days to enter the Sinai Peninsula, were now returning to Gaza Strip.
According to sources, about 70,000 Palestinians entered Egypt after the cross-point was opened and many were buying necessary supplies which were not available due to Israeli siege.
Sources, preferring anonymity, told Palestinian media that Egypt would not allow any group to interfere with national security. Cairo asked Saturday the visiting Hamas delegation to stop actions which would affect bilateral relations, warning that Egypt would not tolerate acts which were against national security.
The Egyptian authorities also called on Hamas to allow the Palestinian authority led by President Mahmoud Abbas to take over control of Gaza cross-point.
On their part, Hamas officials affirmed that they would not be part of any act which endangers Egypt, adding that the movement was considering allowing officials from Fatah to review procedures in Rafah crossing.
Meanwhile, Israel reportedly welcomed Sunday news that Hamas intends to sever Gaza Strip’s economic ties with the Hebrew state, saying that the decision would be in the state’s interest.
According to daily Yediot Ahronot, Israeli Army sources said the reports which indicated that Hamas was seriously considering possibility of cutting economic ties with Gaza were received favorably.
The occupation of Gaza in June 1967 made it a responsibility for Israel to provide people with their necessary needs, stated the daily. However, since the Hamas take over last year, economic separation became feasible.
Security sources told the paper Hamas always meant harm to Israel; therefore, a solution must be found to deal with this fact.
The sources added the withdrawal from the area increased violence against Israel.
Yedioth Ahronot stated that the missile attacks against Israel led to the closure of cross-points to Gaza and the decrease of fuel supplies.
Yesterday, Ahmad Yousif, a Hamas official, announced that that movement was seriously considering cutting Gaza’s economic ties with Israel, suggesting, as an alternative, to link the strip’s economy with Egypt.
Yousif indicated that Hamas’ delegation to Cairo would propose that Egypt provide the strip with electricity and fuel in addition to opening the border to imports and exports operations with the world.