Egypt closes Rafah crossing

Egypt closed the Rafah crossing with Gaza on Saturday citing "security concerns" following a crackdown on Sinai militants. Palestinian crossings director Maher Abu Sabha told Ma'an that the crossing would be closed indefinitely following unrest in the Sinai peninsula. Around 50 travelers managed to enter Egypt from Gaza on Saturday, Abu Sabha added. At least 10 "Islamist fighters" were killed as Egypt's army launched an air and ground assault on Sinai militants Saturday, security officials said. Twenty others were wounded and 15 arrested. In recent months, Egypt has closed the Rafah crossing several times following violence in Sinai. The crossing was closed on Aug. 15 after nationwide violence and then partially reopened two days later, only to be closed again following an attack which killed 25 Egyptian soldiers. The crossing is the only way most Palestinians in Gaza can enter or leave the territory. Israel imposes an air and sea blockade on the enclave, and its border is closed to Palestinians.