Egypt Keeps Rafah Crossing Closed Before Humanitarian Cases

Rafah, 29 Dzulqa’dah 1437/1 September 2016 (MINA) – The Egyptian authorities have kept the Rafah border-crossing closed before stranded passengers and humanitarian cases, except for pilgrims, Head of the crossing Hisham Udwan said.

Udwan said six buses headed to the Egyptian hall of the Rafah crossing as part of the first trip in the second batch, The Palestinian Information Center (PIC) reported.

Udwan added that the Egyptian authorities have not yet given instructions for unblocking the crossing before stranded Gazans and humanitarian cases.

Some 800 pilgrims on board five buses will head to Makkah to perform Muslims’ annual Hajj (Greater Pilgrimage) rituals.

The Egyptian authorities opened the Rafah crossing for the second day following a decision to unblock the crossing for three days so as to allow pilgrims’ access out of blockaded Gaza.

On Tuesday 775 pilgrims left for Saudi Arabia via the crossing. (T/P008/R07)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)