Israel reopens crossing with Egypt, warns ‘threat still severe’

Israeli authorities decided on Friday to reopen the Taba crossing that connects to the Egyptian Sinai Peninsula following 12 days of closure over security reasons, the Israeli prime ministry said.

In a statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said, “After an assessment from the counter-terrorism bureau, it has been decided to allow the exit of Israeli citizens to the Sinai via the Taba crossing.”

Israel closes border with Egypt after attacks

However, the statement warned that threats were still present. “At the same time the counter-terrorism bureau stresses that the threat to Israelis in the Sinai remains severe, concrete and immediate,” the statement said.

It called on Israelis to avoid travelling to the Sinai and those who were already there to return as soon as possible.The Israeli authorities closed the Taba crossing with Egypt on 9 April after receiving intelligence that terrorist organisations were planning on targeting Israeli citizens, Israeli media reported.

Prior to the closure of the crossing, authorities warned Israelis not to travel to the Sinai during the Jewish Passover holiday, fearing they could be targeted by terrorists.

People gather in front of the Saint George church after a bomb struck inside the church in the Nile Delta city of Tanta, Egypt on April 9, 2017. At least 21 people were killed. ( Ibrahim Ramadan – Anadolu Agency )