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 | | From: | United Press International | | Subject: | Rafah crossing opened for Palestinians | | Date: | Fri, 21 Jan 2005 6:01:04 EST |
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GAZA, Jan. 21 (UPI) -- Israel opened the Rafah crossing
between Gaza and Egypt in one direction Friday to allow thousands of
stranded Palestinians to return home.
The Palestinian News Agency said the crossing, which had
been closed by Israel since Dec. 12, was reopened early Friday "only
for those entering Gaza, in order to end the plight of the
Palestinians stranded on the Egyptian side for weeks."
Israel closed the only border crossing between Gaza and
Egypt following an attack by Islamic militants in the area.
Palestinian Authority Minister for Civilian Affairs Jamil
Tarifi said the crossing was opened "following intensive contacts
with the Israeli side, with a priority to let in the Palestinians
stranded on the Egyptian side under tragic conditions."
He said only those entering Gaza would be allowed to cross
for the time being, with the hope that the crossing would soon be
reopened in both directions.
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