Israel seeks approval for border patrols

RAFAH, Gaza, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- Israel requested U.S. approval to establish military outposts at the Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, reports in the Arab media say .

The al-Quds al-Arabi in London reported Saturday that Israeli issued letters to U.S. and European Union officials objecting to Egypt's decision to allow Palestinian refugees to cross the Egyptian border to the Gaza Strip without passing through Israeli checkpoints, Ynetnews said Saturday.

The Israelis also requested U.S. approval to retake the Rafah border crossing and asked that ultimate control over Rafah be placed in the hands of international observers.

Israeli fears militant Hamas members and others potentially harmful to Israeli interests may cross into the region unchecked.