Egypt intercepts arms shipments destined for Gaza

Egyptian authorities intercepted a shipment of at least 190 anti-aircraft missiles in Sinai probably destined for Gaza on Saturday, Palestinian news Agency Ma'an reported.

According to the report, the Egyptian police raided several storage areas in the area and discovered the secret cache hidden in a remote region in the center of the peninsula.

In addition to the anti-aircraft missiles, rockets and other ammunition were seized, as well as a large supply of illegal drugs.

Reports also stated that authorities raided several locations in Rafah, where they found more stores of explosives and weapons.

Earlier on Saturday Kuwaiti newspaper Alrai reported that Syria's military is on high alert for an Israeli attack on Hizbullah weapons depots located in the country.

I wouldn't put too much stock in anything coming out of Syria. Israel has enough on its plate without having to deal with the fallout of another raid on Syria.

But anti-aircraft missiles? That sounds like one side is preparing for another round of rocket attacks and was going to use the missiles in defense of the expected Israeli reaction.

This shows the immense problems that Egypt experiences in trying to police the border with Hamas. From the description of the search, it seems likely that the authorities were tipped off to the location of the missiles. The expanse they must police is vast and it isn't reasonable to assume they can capture every Kassam or anti-aircraft missile destined for Gaza.

The Egyptians appear to be upholding their end of the blockade as well as can be expected. How much good it does is another question.