Egypt Brands Islamist Gunmen in Border Attack As 'Infidels'

A vehicle burns near the Kerem Shalom border crossing after gunmen crossed into Israel from Egypt on August 5.

Israeli public radio reported on August 7 that Israel has returned to Egypt the bodies of six gunmen killed by Israeli security forces.

The gunman had crossed into Israel on August 5 in a stolen armored vehicle after killing 16 Egyptian border guards in the Sinai.

Meanwhile, Egypt has branded the Islamist militants as "infidels" and has promised a crackdown in the Sinai region.

Israel has urged Egypt to tighten control over the area.

Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said on August 6 that the attack should serve as a "wake-up call" to Cairo.

Egypt's new Islamist president, Muhammad Morsi, has vowed to retake "full control" of the Sinai.

He said the militants would "pay dearly" for the attack.

Gaza's deputy prime minister, Mohammed Awad, said militants from the Hamas-ruled territory were not involved.

Based on reporting by Reuters, AP and AFP