Hamas militants and presidential guard clash

Hamas militants, angry that Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh was prevented from returning to Gaza from Egypt, burst into the Rafah crossing today, sparking a gunbattle with the guards at the border terminal.

The Hamas militants waiting outside the terminal grew impatient for Haniyeh’s return and broke into the compound, shooting in the air.

The Palestinian Presidential Guard, responsible for security at the terminal, began firing at them, according to a journalist at the terminal.

Travellers in the terminal lobby ran for cover, some carrying their luggage. Women and children hid behind walls and nearby taxis outside.

Two Hamas militants were wounded in the gunfight. The violence came after Israeli Defence Minister Amir Peretz ordered Rafah sealed to prevent Haniyeh from returning with tens of millions of dollars in cash.