EL ARISH
Egypt closed Rafah border crossing with the Gaza Strip on Friday, security sources told Anadolu Agency.
Egyptian security sources said the crossing was shut early morning “based on instructions from Cairo”.
A well-placed Palestinian source confirmed to AA the crossing was shut.
“The Egyptian side has informed the Palestinians about the closure of the crossing,” the sources said.
No reason was given for the closure.
“It is not yet known whether it is an official decision or has to do with protests of workers at the crossing,” the sources said.
One person was killed and six injured in attacks on military checkpoints in North Sinai early Friday.
The closure comes as Egypt is bracing for rival protests from supporters and opponents of deposed president Mohammad Morsi, who was overthrown by the army on Wednesday after massive protests against his regime.
Egyptian officials have warned that Palestinians might attempt to cross into Egypt via underground tunnels to support Morsi.
Rafah crossing is Gaza’s only gateway to the outside world that surpasses Israel.
