Egyptian authorities reopen Rafah border crossing for two-way traffic

The authorities in Egypt have reopened the border crossing at Rafah after a three week closure. The crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip was closed after the outbreak of the popular revolution against the regime of ex-President Hosni Mubarak. The authorities opened the border last Friday, 19 February, for people entering Gaza; the reopening on Tuesday 23 February was for traffic in both directions. Sources in Palestine report that the border opened at 11am when buses from Palestine crossed into Egypt.

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While restrictions on the numbers of people permitted to cross the border will be in place, the Egyptian authorities have determined that permission will be granted for patients, students and those who have Egyptian visit and residence visas, up to a maximum of 300 people. Over the past few days, more than 3000 Palestinians have registered to cross the border at Rafah.