The border with Egypt is 11 km and the border with Israel runs to 51 km. The tumultuous history of the area adds great significance to these borders.  For Israel, the borders with Gaza are the main cause of concern for its security.  For Egypt, the borders with Gaza Strip represent the threat of Hamas and smuggling of arms and materials.

The main feature of the borders of the Gaza Strip with Israel and Egypt is the barriers that have been constructed along the border by both countries. Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin ordered the construction of barrier and it was completed in 1996, only to be destroyed almost completely by the Palestinians.  The Israelis reconstructed the barrier in 2001. The barrier has been made up of high technology observation posts, sensors etc.  Israel also has about a 300 meter buffer called the Philadelphi Corridor.

The smuggling tunnels across the borders of Egypt were declared to be 119 in 2007. Smuggling of arms and food items has been bothering Egypt for long. Egypt thus undertook an underground barrier to dissuade smugglers smuggling explosives and entering Egypt through tunnels. The border is made of steel and runs 100 meter deep.

The three main crossing points coming out of the Gaza Strip are the Erez Crossing which leads into Israel, the eastern Karni Crossing and the Rafah Crossing into Egypt. The crossings worth reference here: The Kerem Shalom Crossing  and the Sufa Crossing further south.

More Articles :

• History Of Gaza Strip
• History Of The Gaza Strip
• The Language Of Gaza Strip
• What Is The Capital Of Gaza Strip ?
• Where Is The Gaza Strip Located ?
• Which Countries Border The Gaza Strip ?
• Why Is The Gaza Strip Important To Israel ?