Egypt police move to Gaza border

The Palestinians stranded in Sinai have complained of poor conditions

Egypt has sent police reinforcements to its border in Sinai with the Gaza Strip to stop Palestinians stranded in Egypt from crossing back over.

About 4,000 Palestinians have been stuck in northern Sinai since the Rafah border crossing was closed last month.

The crossing was closed after the Palestinian faction Hamas seized Gaza from its Fatah rivals.

Egypt said it had also sent medical and food aid to the Palestinians, who have complained of poor living conditions.

On Tuesday, about 100 Palestinians detained at the el-Arish airport in Sinai clashed with police, smashing windows and doors before they were subdued.

The governor of North Sinai said he had funds to feed 3,000 Palestinians for three days and the Egyptian Red Crescent has promised food aid for a further 10 days, the French news agency reported.

Many of the Palestinians have no money to pay for food or lodging and are staying in mosques or sleeping in the open.

The Rafah crossing is the only way in or out of Gaza that does not pass through Israel - although when it is open the Israeli authorities monitor traffic electronically.

Israel has said another crossing into Gaza from its territory could be used, but Hamas has said it will treat that crossing as a military target if it is used.