"In the first stage, the barrier would be in most but not all parts of
the entire border," a security source said.
The sources said the barrier was comprised of steel plates that extended
into the ground. In a later stage, they said Egyptian contractors, with
help from the United States, would install advanced
sensors to detect construction of tunnels from the Gaza Strip.
"Work on the main wall is in its fourth and final stage," a security
source told the Egyptian daily Al Shurouq.
The source said cameras and sensors would be deployed along the barrier
following its construction. He said the barrier would reach between 10 and
11 kilometers as well as 18 meters underground.
The barrier has not blocked tunnel smuggling from Egypt to the Gaza
Strip. But the sources said Egyptian authorities were becoming more capable
in detecting and destroying major tunnels, particularly those used to
smuggle heavy weapons and vehicles.
"Construction will end around May 2010 and then there will be testing
for several months before the barrier is deemed fully operational," the
source said.
Egypt has also been intensifying maritime security patrols in the
eastern Mediterranean. On March 20, Egyptian Coast Guard vessels intercepted
a boat with three fishermen from the Gaza Strip.
