Subscribe to Print Edition | Fri., December 28, 2007 Tevet 19, 5768 | | Israel Time: 07:13 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Advertising Books Arts & Leisure Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File Magazine

del.icio.us Digg It!  new Last update - 21:32 27/12/2007 Egypt arrests five Sudanese refugees trying to cross into Israel By The Associated Press Tags: Darfur, Egypt, refugees  Five Sudanese refugees from the war-torn western Darfur region were arrested early Thursday trying to cross illegally from Egypt into Israel, an Egyptian security official said. "Border guards arrested the five, including one 25-year-old refugee who was seriously injured when he tried to leap the barbed wire border fence," said the official on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the press. The refugees told police that they paid $300 each for smugglers in Cairo to help them cross to Israel at the Matala village, 7 kilometers south of Rafah crossing point, the official said. Advertisement They also said that they were seeking political asylum in Israel and jobs, he added. Israel estimates that 2,800 people, mostly from Africa, have entered the country illegally through its border with Egypt in recent years searching for jobs. The number shot up over the summer, apparently as word spread of job opportunities in Israel and a more lenient policy toward refugees. As many as 50 people arrived each day in June, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. The number declined, however, after Egypt tightened border controls resulting in a spike of arrests and the occasional shooting of those trying to cross. Related articles: MKs oppose the deportation of Darfur refugees back to Egypt Israel to grant citizenship to hundreds of Darfur refugees Israel considering deportation of Sudanese refugees to Kenya Government: Darfur refugees will be refused entry into Israel Influx of African refugees puts strain on Tel Aviv's shelters Bookmark to del.icio.us Who shot Bhutto? Conspiracy theories over the assassination of the Pakistani opposition leader abound. Obama and Israel Israelis following the U.S. elections are not clear on Obama's approach.   1.   they can arrest five refugees but they can`t stop the smuggling 14:08  |  Margie in Tel Aviv 27/12/07   2.   we`ve missed the boat 16:04  |  Julia 27/12/07   3.   what kind of message... 16:33  |  David 27/12/07   4.   2ND TRY Refugees were lucky 06:55  |  * BEN JABO 28/12/07

Today Online Shmuel Rosner: Israel has Obama's backing to stay a Jewish state Responses: 221 At least 15 dead in Pakistan riots in wake of Bhutto slaying Responses: 150 Amira Hass: Will PA ire at settlements spark a new Intifada? Responses: 118 Editorial: They were brought here as Jews, so treat them as such Responses: 65 Source: Turkey is studying support from Israel 'very closely' Responses: 83 Rosner's Domain An exacerbated tension between Olmert and Rice Rosner's Mailbox: Paul and Huckabee supporters' letters, my responses Jews, enjoy your mistletoe (WTR) Poll: The most likely event to happen in 2008 More Headlines 04:35 PM to Abbas: Israel won't undermine final status talks 04:19 IDF kills eight militants in Gaza, including top Jihad commander 06:44 At least 15 dead in Pakistan unrest in wake of Benazir Bhutto assassination 03:08 Interior Ministry ignoring High Court ruling on conversions 05:18 New version of old self-defense group guards Jewish farmers 02:04 Another record year for defense spending in 2008 05:32 Cronyism suspect allowed to return to PM's bureau 01:37 At foreign workers' holiday celebration, hopes for citizenship 01:57 Environment Ministry sanctions likely to cause water shortages 05:48 MKs offer fewer private bills for greater scrutiny of government Previous Editions Select Day 27 dec 26 dec 25 dec 24 dec 23 dec 21 dec 20 dec 19 dec 18 dec 17 dec 16 dec 14 dec

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