President al-Sisi defended the creation of a wide buffer zone between Gaza and Egypt. In recent weeks, Egypt is carrying out digging work in the area that Palestinians believe is intended to flood the last remaining tunnels between Gaza and the Sinai.  Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas accused Egypt of further besieging the enclave, which is already under an Israeli blockade.

Cornelis Hulsman: Haniyeh sees that smuggling with Egypt is coming to an end. This also included weapons. Of course he opposes and of course Egypt wants to close this.