Closure of Rafah Crossing affects Gaza pilgrims

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS

A number of Palestinian pilgrims from the Gaza Strip have been stranded at the Rafah Crossing with Egypt after being prevented from passing for no reason.

The number of Pilgrims who should be leaving the Strip is 2,508, including servicemen and a media convoy, as well as 500 from the families of martyrs, the latter whom the Saudi King is hosting and paying for.

The first batch of pilgrims left through the Crossing on Wednesday, but Egyptian authorities denied 30 of them without giving any reason.

154 out of 184 servicemen also could not travel because the Palestinian Authority did not send their passports back to Gaza after the necessary visas were stamped on them.

MEMO Photographer : Mohammed Asad

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