The newly formed Egyptian government has eased restrictions on Palestinians travelling out of Gaza into Egypt, according to officials on Monday.
Under the old regulations Palestinians under 40 years old were escorted across the border by security officials and were often held in detention for up to three days.
The new move allows Palestinians to cross through Egypt on their own and permits them to stay in the country for up to 72 hours.
Maher Abu Sabha, director of borders within Gaza's Hamas-run government said,
Last week Egypt’s new president Mohamed Morsi met with Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas and separately with Hamas political chief Khaled Mashaal. Mashaal later commented on the meeting,
Under the old regulations Palestinians under 40 years old were escorted across the border by security officials and were often held in detention for up to three days.
The new move allows Palestinians to cross through Egypt on their own and permits them to stay in the country for up to 72 hours.
Maher Abu Sabha, director of borders within Gaza's Hamas-run government said,
"We were officially informed by the Egyptian side about a decision to allow any Palestinian under the age of 40 to travel through Rafah with his family without a visa, starting today."The original blockade was placed on Gaza since 2006, with one Gaza resident commenting,
"The closure did not affect only the travel of passengers or the flowing of goods. Our brains and our thoughts were under blockade."Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon responded to the opening saying there was "additional responsibility on the Egyptians about what happens in Gaza" and that “cooperation will continue for the benefit of both sides."
Last week Egypt’s new president Mohamed Morsi met with Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas and separately with Hamas political chief Khaled Mashaal. Mashaal later commented on the meeting,
"We are confident that Egypt, the revolution led by Morsi, will never provide cover for any new aggression or war on Gaza,"
"We are confident that Egypt, the revolution led by Morsi, will not take any part in blocking Gaza."
