RAFAH, Egypt: Bedouin sources reported Israeli troops detained three Egyptian children at Israeli border several days ago. The sources said the children and others were selling cigarettes to Israeli soldiers on the borders and gain great profit from this business, especially since cigarette prices in Israel are more expensive than it is in Egypt. Several days ago children went to sell cigarettes to soldiers but they did not return home until now. Sources claimed they have been detained. The children, all less than 14 years old, are from tribes of al-Sawarka and Tarabin, according to the sources. The children are imprisoned in Beersheba prison. One of the children's father, Yasser, called upon the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) to rescue his son since he is juvenile and did not commit any smuggling or anything against the law. He said there is no law preventing selling cigarettes on the borders. The father added there were two other children accompanying his son to south Rafah border crossing where they were arrested. It is worth mentioning Israel is under the law of 1954, concerning infiltration operation from an enemy country although there is a peace agreement between Egypt and Israel. However, when Egyptian forces arrest Israeli infiltrators near Israeli borders, they are immediately returned back to their homes and not prosecuted.
