EL-ARISH, Egypt (AFP) – Egypt has boosted security along its border with the Gaza Strip in anticipation of an Israeli attack on the Hamas-ruled territory, officials said on Friday.

Officials and residents in north Sinai said they fear a repeat of the Palestinian breach of the border in January, when tens of thousands of Gazans poured into Egypt after militants in Gaza blew holes in the border barricade.

“There is a heavy security presence near the border with Gaza,” a security official told AFP. “We are worried that because of Israeli pressure, the Palestinians will breach the border.”

An AFP correspondent said police had set up checkpoints on roads leading to the border and that some north Sinai residents have begun stocking up on food.

“We are preparing to be ready if there is breach,” said north Sinai governor Abdel Fadil Shusha.

Violence in and around Gaza flared up after a six-month ceasefire between Hamas and Israel ended on December 19.