ANALYSIS: Terror attack was matter of time after Gaza border breach

[Behind the Aegis]

Despite the closure of the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt on Sunday, it seemed that the next attack, kidnapping or suicide bombing carried out by a Palestinian group against Israelis, in Sinai or the southern Negev, was just a matter of time. With the border remaining completely open for 12 days, it is difficult to estimate the amount of arms and munitions that were brought into the Strip.

Hani and Rami Hamdan, the two brothers from Gaza caught on Saturday wearing explosive belts in Sinai by the Egyptian security forces, four kilometers west of Rafah, were not operating independently. Just a day earlier the Egyptians arrested 15 armed Palestinians in Sinai, 12 of whom were members of Hamas. Last week, another cell of five Palestinians was arrested near the Taba crossing, and explosive belts were found in their possession.

It is fair to assume that in spite of the Egyptian interest to cooperate with Israel in an effort to avert attacks, there are cells who have managed to evade them and hide in the broad expanses of Sinai. In Egypt, they believe that these cells are planning attacks in Sinai, but it also appears that some of them will try to penetrate into Israel along the 300 kilometers of the porous Israel-Sinai border.

Some of the cells are linked with Hamas. Others are part of smaller Palestinian factions. What is clear is that Egypt is now dependent on the goodwill of the Islamic organization. If Hamas wishes, the border at Rafah will remain sealed. If it does not, thousands of Palestinians will be allowed once more to rush into Sinai.

Cairo now finds itself facing conflicting Palestinian pressure. Hamas is demanding to set up an orderly crossing through Rafah. If Cairo refuses, the Hamas policemen will ensure that Palestinians sneak into Sinai, like they did Sunday. Hamas wants larger supplies of fuel and electricity from Egypt. This is also something that Egypt will find it difficult to oppose, since the organization enjoys public support in Egypt, where it is regarded as the Palestinian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood.

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[henank]

1. Fatah say the bombers came in from Egypt

In Gaza press conference, members of Fatah's military wing, PFLP say suicide bombers who carried out Dimona attack entered Sinai from Strip. 'Attack has been planned for a month, but was only made possible due to breach in border,' says al-Aqsa Brigades spokesman.

This is the self-same Fatah who are Israel's "peace" partners. Some peace, some partners.

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[Name removed]

2. Deleted message

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[ProgressiveMuslim]

3. Why not just carpet bomb 'em, since "they all want the same thing?" nt

[Tom Joad]

8. ahhh, the dinosaur droppings are gone. that's much better now.

[azurnoir]

4. With a qualification

we agree on something-Israel can get it's planes out of Gazas skies its barricades out of Gazas waters, and then build all the walls needed and BTW if there is a wall across Sinai make sure it cuts those pipelines too, why should Israel buy gas from a country that "allowed" terrorists to eat?

[rateyes]

5. I think I detect a hint of sarcasm in your post.

[azurnoir]

7. Guilty

It's not that I don't take things seriously however sometimes.........
the first part was serious it was that last part.

[Name removed]

6. Deleted message

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