The second phase of demolishing houses on the border area between Egypt and the Gaza Strip in South Rafah continued over the past hours Sunday.
Security sources in Rafah said 16 houses were removed in the area and efforts are under way to remove the rest, pointing out that 980 houses were removed so far from 1,220 in the second phase.
The government continued to pay compensations for those who lost their homes and give pensions (1,000 pounds) for every person who reached the retirement age.
Egypt decided months ago to demolish houses close to Gaza Strip on an area extending 1,000 square kilometers to prevent the smuggling through the tunnels on the borders.