Demolitions in Sinai 'violated international law'

Egypt to build a buffer zone to stop smuggling through tunnels. (EPA)

Egypt has destroyed more than 3,200 homes and other buildings in the Sinai Peninsula and in violation of international law, according to Human Rights Watch.



Soldiers began to demolish homes in the Gaza border in 2013 to build a 'buffer zone' in order to stop smuggling through underground tunnels after an upsurge in attacks by militants.

But rights groups, HRW, said the residents were evicted received a warning in a short time or not at all exist, and also did not get a temporary shelter or compensation.

The Egyptian government confirms the destruction of houses and other buildings that have the support of citizens.

Attack jihadi groups in North Sinai increased since President Mohammed Morsi was ousted in 2013 ago. AFP

Jihadi groups in North Sinai-including affiliated with the militant group Islamic State of Atua ISIS- increase the attack to Egypt after the toppling of President Mohammed Morsi by the military, in July 2013.

In the violence that occurred after the coup, HRW said 3,600 civilians were killed and more than two-thirds of victims falling since the government announced plans to build a buffer zone.

The military wants to build a clean area of ​​about 79 km per side along the border of the Gaza Strip, including Rafah city which has a population of about 78,000 inhabitants.

Thus, the military could close the underground tunnels allegedly used by jihadists to receive weapons and logistical support of the Palestinians.

But HRW believes not much evidence or even not at all there for a reason proficiency level, by citing Egyptian and Israeli officials estimate obtained from the possibility of weapons stolen from Libyan or Egyptian army. (bbc)