Rafah: Egypt is to open the Rafah border crossing into Gaza permanently to most Palestinians from Saturday, Egyptian state news agency Mena has said. Gaza has been under blockade since 2007, when the Islamist Hamas movement took control of the territory.
Under ex-President Hosni Mubarak – ousted in February – Egypt opposed the Hamas administration and helped Israel to enforce the blockade.
Israel says the blockade is needed to stop weapons being smuggled into Gaza.
The Rafah crossing will be opened permanently from 0900 to 2100 every day except Fridays and holidays, beginning Saturday 28 May, Mena said.
“Palestinian women of all ages will be exempted from visas as will men under 18 or over 40,” Mena reported.
Rafah is the only crossing into Gaza which bypasses Israel.
Media reports say in Cairo it is unlikely Israel will welcome the move, although it has been easing its own restrictions on its crossings with Gaza.
The transitional military government said last month that it intended to open the crossing permanently.
The announcement illustrates the more independent-minded foreign policy likely to be adopted by Egypt’s new rulers.
Egypt’s co-operation in blockading Gaza was one of the most unpopular policies of former President Mubarak, he adds.
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