Egypt blocks Hamas cash at Rafah border

[bemildred]

ISMAILIA, Egypt (Reuters) - Egyptian security forces blocked two Hamas officials on Tuesday from entering the Islamist-run Gaza Strip with night-vision goggles and around $900,000 in cash, security and customs sources said.

The Hamas officials were stopped at the Gaza border after customs agents found the cash -- 500,000 euros and $250,000 -- during a search of their bags as they headed home after taking part in Palestinian reconciliation talks in Cairo.

"These amounts were found and contact is currently underway with the Egyptian finance ministry to take a decision in the matter," a customs source said. Security and customs sources said authorities also found two pairs of night-vision goggles.

Diplomats and analysts see the success of the Egyptian-sponsored talks as key to reuniting Palestinians after 21 months of schism between Hamas-run Gaza and the West Bank, where the Fatah group of President Mahmoud Abbas holds sway.

http://www.reuters.com/article/newsMaps/idUSTRE52G6ET20090317

[Turbineguy]

1. The nightvision goggles

are for counting the moola in the dark!

[bemildred]

2. Google "Night vision goggles" and see what you get.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=night+vision+goggles&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f&oq=