CAIRO // Egyptian police blocked a commercial border crossing with Israel yesterday, security sources said.
The police were enraged by the kidnapping of seven of their colleagues by gunmen in the Sinai Peninsula. They have been blocking another border post, the Rafah crossing into the Gaza Strip, since Friday to press the government to help free the seven.
Dozens of police expanded the protest yesterday by blocking Al Awja border crossing 40 kilometres south of Rafah, used by vehicles that carry goods between the two countries, the two sources said.
"Traffic has totally stopped," one said.
Gunmen demanding the release of jailed Islamic militants seized the policemen and soldiers on the road between the Sinai towns of El Arish and Rafah on Thursday.
Hardline Islamist groups in North Sinai have exploited the collapse of state authority after the overthrow of Hosni Mubarak in 2011 to launch attacks across the border into Israel and on Egyptian targets.
A presidential spokesman, Omar Amer, told Egyptian state television no talks were taking place with the kidnappers and that it would be unacceptable to negotiate with criminals.
Fighter profiles
Gabrieli Pessanha (Brazil)
Reigning Abu Dhabi World Pro champion in the 95kg division, virtually unbeatable in her weight class. Known for her pressure game but also dangerous with her back on the mat.
Nathiely de Jesus, 23, (Brazil)
Two-time World Pro champion renowned for her aggressive game. She is tall and most feared by her opponents for both her triangles and arm-bar attacks.
Thamara Ferreira, 24, (Brazil)
Since her brown belt days, Ferreira has been dominating the 70kg, in both the World Pro and the Grand Slams. With a very aggressive game.
Samantha Cook, 32, (Britain)
One of the biggest talents coming out of Europe in recent times. She is known for a highly technical game and bringing her A game to the table as always.
Kendall Reusing, 22, (USA)
Another young gun ready to explode in the big leagues. The Californian resident is a powerhouse in the -95kg division. Her duels with Pessanha have been highlights in the Grand Slams.
Martina Gramenius, 32, (Sweden)
Already a two-time Grand Slam champion in the current season. Gramenius won golds in the 70kg, in both in Moscow and Tokyo, to earn a spot in the inaugural Queen of Mats.
