Israel to close Gaza-Egypt border

Israel is to close the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt until further notice, officials said today, after proposing new arrangements that could include movement of Palestinians in and out of Gaza under the supervision of foreign inspectors without an Israeli presence.

The officials said the crossing, the only land link between Gaza and the outside world without passing through Isael, would be shut down tomorrow. Israel plans to complete its pull-out next week.