Hamas regrets Egypt's action in deadly border clash
RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AFP) — Hamas has said it regretted the use of force by Egyptian security forces during a clash at the resealed Gaza-Egypt border that left one Palestinian dead.
One Palestinian was shot dead on Monday during a demonstration against the closure of the border between the Hamas-run territory and Egypt following a nearly two-week breach.
"Regrettable incidents at the Egyptian-Palestinian border occurred after Egyptian security forces prevented Palestinians stuck on the Egyptian side from returning home to Gaza," Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said in a statement.
"Hamas regrets these incidents and the treatment that Egyptian security has metted out to Palestinian citizens."
Gaza militants blew open the border between the impoverished coastal strip and Egypt early on January 23 amid a punishing Israeli blockade.
Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are estimated to have poured through the breached frontier before Egyptian and Hamas forces resealed it completely at the weekend.
The closure sparked protests from the Palestinians, with a demonstration at the border turning violent late Monday with stone throwing, exchanges of fire and tear gas.
Several dozen Palestinians were assembled at the border early Tuesday, hoping to pass through to the Egyptian side, witnesses said.
