Free Republic

Egypt, the other country besides Israel that borders Gaza, moved quickly this week to fortify its border and prevent a flood of Palestinians from entering Egyptian territory during Israel’s counteroffensive against Hamas. The Israeli military suggested on Tuesday that Palestinians who do not wish to be used as human shields by the Hamas terrorists should flee across the Egyptian border. Israeli Lieutenant-Colonel Richard Hecht rescinded that advice later on Tuesday. “Clarification: The Rafah crossing was open yesterday, but now it’s closed,” Hecht said. The Rafah crossing was evidently shut down because Israel dropped several bombs near it. The Israeli Defense...

Syringes, unkown medication, sleep inducing chemicals, anesthetizing agents, food stimulants, and honey were found on the bodies of the two terrorists who were killed by IDF troops Sunday night at the Nitzana border crossing between Israel and Egypt. The IDF is investigating the possible uses of the materials found on the terrorists. One of the working assumptions, based on intelligence information, is that the group of terrorists was planning to kidnap soldiers. The Hamas leader, Sheik Ahmed Yassin, has suggested his Islamic militant group might kidnap Israelis as ransom for Palestinian prisoners.