Israel to fence Egypt border

Israel has approved the construction of fences on its southern border with Egypt to prevent people from illegally crossing into the Jewish state.

Israel is a popular refuge for Africans fleeing war-torn and impoverished countries who enter through its porous, 250-km southern border with Egypt. Israeli police say 100 to 200 Africans enter illegally through Egypt each week.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved the construction of two sections of fence: one opposite the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah in the southwest and another near the Red Sea. — AP