Bedouins block Sinai-Israel passage

Truck drivers say Bedouins protesting Cairo’s policy towards them burn tires, but allow Gaza-bound vehicles through

By Ynet

 

A group of Egyptian Bedouins blocked on Monday the main road leading to the Nitzana border crossing between the Sinai Peninsula and Israel, the Palestinian Ma’an News Agency reported.

Archives Photo: AP

Archives - Photo: AP

According to the report, the Bedouins blocked the passage as an act of protest against the detention of Bedouins in the Sinai by Egyptian authorities.

Truck drivers reported seeing burning tires and rocks along the road, as well as gunmen armed with machine guns.

However, the truck drivers said, vehicles that were headed to Gaza, including fuel tankers delivering diesel from Qatar, were allowed through.

Bedouin tribesmen in Sinai have complained of neglect by Egyptian authorities. Over the past year they have clashed with police on a number of occasions and kidnapped tourists to bring about the release of imprisoned Bedouins.

 

View original Ynet publication at: http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4241125,00.html