Egyptian police found and seized a flock of 560 sheep that were about to be transported through illegal smuggling tunnels near Rafah to the Gaza Strip to be used as food there.

Intercepting the sheep was part of a crackdown by Egypt after receiving criticism from Israel for not doing enough to stop smuggling that is subverting Israel's blockade of Gaza's borders. Israel's blockade has, in turn, been criticized for effectively preventing sufficient food, medicine, construction materials and other supplies from entering the impoverished territory.

Israel instituted the border blockade in 2007 after the Hamas political party was democratically elected to head the government in the Gaza Strip.

Critics say it prevents food and other humanitarian aid to the 1.5 million residents living in an area roughly twice the size of Washington, D.C.

When Israel still occupied the Gaza Strip the numerous smuggling tunnels were used primarily to bring weapons in, but since the blockade the tunnels have been used as the primary route for bringing in food for the impoverished residents of Gaza.

Since the Israeli military offensive earlier this year destroyed many of the homes, businesses and other buildings in Gaza, the smuggling tunnels have also been used to bring in construction materials to rebuild.

Along with the sheep, Egyptian police also seized four tons of cement, 110 pounds of explosives and 50 gas canisters headed for the smuggling tunnels. All the items will be auctioned off in Rafah.