RAFAH, Egypt: The Egyptian government today denied that it had issued any decisions or directives to destroy tunnels on the border between Egypt and the Gaza Strip near Rafah. “The security plan is prepared under specific standards designed to restore security in Sinai,” said Egyptian Ambassador to the Palestinian Authorities Yaser Othman. “Restoring security in North Sinai will help Egypt increase its efficiency and improve its facilities at the Rafah border crossing.” Meanwhile, The Safa Agency in Gaza today reported that Egyptian authorities detonated explosives in two tunnels connecting land between Egypt and the Gaza Strip. Local residents in Rafah reported that they saw smoke rising from the border area. Security sources confirmed that both tunnels were empty at the time and no one was injured, adding that as many as seven tunnels in the Mokhayam region were also destroyed. The Gaza agency also reported that Egyptians are currently at work digging new tunnels. Egyptian and local security sources denied sending any equipment to destroy tunnels.
