Mofaz to Egypt: Control Gaza border or we will

[Behind the Aegis]

Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz on Wednesday voiced his deep concern over the growing mayhem along the Gaza Strip's southern border, warning Egypt that if it does not move to prevent the unchecked stream of Palestinians through the border, Israel will be forced to stop it itself.

Mofaz issued the warning several hours after gunmen from the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades commandeered two bulldozers and smashed through a section of the wall on the Gaza-Egypt border to protest the jailing of one of their leaders.

Meeting U.S., Egyptian and Palestinian officials, Mofaz requested the Egyptians halt the uncontrolled passage of Palestinians and weapons into the Strip through the Rafah crossing.

The gunmen rammed through massive wall as a show of force against the Palestinian Authority. After seizing a bulldozer to cheers from onlookers, gunmen smashed through concrete blocks lining the border near the Palestinian refugee camp of Yibna, witnesses said.

more...