Gaza: Egypt 'to open Rafah crossing to Palestinians'

[Gerald]

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.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-13552685


Note: 25 May 2011 Last updated at 20:21 GMT

[Skybird]

Was to be expected. Mubarak'S Israel-policy was very unpopular with the Egyptians.

Smuggling of concrete for bunkers, weapons, explosives and ammo will be much easier now. The rates will increase accordingly.

Anything goes if it serves the erosion of Israel!

[Matador.es]

from what i heared from friends in Egypt sudanly everybody turns out to have weapons (due to the revolt). This wont get much better now with its consequences for Israel.

Check out this statement; such a pleasure...

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has warned against plots hatched by the United States to save Israel, urging world nations to remain vigilant.

Source: PressTV

[Gerald]

One thing is to say in words, but the act itself is something completely different ... development follows...

[Gerald]

Egypt has relaxed restrictions at its border with the Gaza Strip, allowing many Palestinians to cross freely for the first time in four years.

Women, children and men over 40 are now allowed to pass freely. Men aged between 18 and 40 will still require a permit, and trade is prohibited.

The move - strongly opposed by Israel - comes some three months after Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak lost power.

Egypt and Israel closed borders with Gaza when Hamas seized power in 2007.

Israel retains concerns that weapons will be imported into Gaza through the Egyptian frontier, but Egypt insists it will conduct thorough searches of all those crossing. People leaving Gaza will also need to be carrying Palestinian ID cards, which are issued by Israel.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-13581141

Note: Update Record, 28 May 2011 Last updated at 09:44 GMT

[Gerald]

[Jimbuna]

Originally Posted by Matador.es

from what i heared from friends in Egypt sudanly everybody turns out to have weapons (due to the revolt). This wont get much better now with its consequences for Israel.

Check out this statement; such a pleasure...

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has warned against plots hatched by the United States to save Israel, urging world nations to remain vigilant.

Source: PressTV

If Israel are pushed too hard/far he'll probably be one of the first to suffer the consequences.

[MH]

Originally Posted by Matador.es

Check out this statement; such a pleasure...

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has warned against plots hatched by the United States to save Israel, urging world nations to remain vigilant.

Source: PressTV

[Gerald]

Originally Posted by MH

Nice pic,