Rafah Crossing closed for 3rd day

Egyptian soldiers continued to close Rafah Crossing with Gaza for the third day, Sunday. The closing comes in protest after seven Egyptian soldiers were kidnapped by armed men in Arish, Sinai last Thursday. This comes despite the Egyptian police's success in identifying the kidnappers as well as the location where the hostages are held. The action left hundreds of Palestinians stuck on the Egyptian side demanding exit, with Rafah the only crossing that enables Palestinians to get to and out of Palestinian territory. Egyptian President Mohammad Morsi announced, Saturday night, that different divisions of the Egyptian forces have executed a military operation in northern Sinai which involved the use of gunship helicopters to free the kidnapped soldiers. The operation came after Egyptian army and police announced they were fully prepared to take action, should negotiations with the kidnappers fail.