STUDENTS STUCK IN GAZA SIGN PETITION TO OPEN RAFAH

Gazan is awaiting permission to pass Rafah Border. (Photos: mirajnews.com) — Gazans are waiting permission to pass Rafah Border. (Photos: mirajnews.com)

Gaza, 24 Safar 1436/17 December 2014 (MINA) – Hundreds of Palestinian students stucked in Gaza after they presented a petition to the civil affairs department to demand the reopening of the Rafah crossing.

Bassel al-Atawneh, a youth union official, called on the unity government and the Ministry of Education to work to end the crisis, Ma’an News Agency quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA), Wednesday.

“Gazans have been suffering a blockade for more than seven years,” he said, adding that thousands of Palestinians in Gaza who study abroad are being deprived of their education because they can’t leave Gaza.

Students have also organized a sit-in demonstration at the crossing to demand that Egypt reopen the border.

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Rafah is the principle connection between Palestinians in Gaza and the outside world, and its regular closure is part of the jointly-enforced Israeli-Egyptian blockade on the tiny territory.

The blockade has led to frequent humanitarian crises and armed conflicts with Israel, and is currently limiting the entry of construction material for the devastated Strip’s post-war reconstruction, promised by the international community.(T/P008/R03)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)