Egypt closes its border crossings with Gaza Strip and Israel

Egypt has closed its border crossings with the Gaza Strip and Israel in the Sinai Peninsula, including two that serve as gateways for travellers in the towns of Rafah and Taba, Egyptian security officials said on Tuesday, Report informs, citing The National.

Officials said authorities have also stepped up patrols along Egypt's borders with Gaza to prevent any infiltrations by militants into Israel.

The closures followed a stern warning by Egypt against what it called attempts to force Palestinians in the Gaza Strip into Sinai in a “mass movement” to escape the shelling and air strikes.